Truck drivers, mechanics, and office workers were asked to identify the skills they felt were most effective in preventing workplace injuries. They agreed on the Essential 7 Work Practices. Read the information below provided by Great West Casualty Company and ask yourself how you can improve your work habits to protect yourself from injury.
BE ATTENTIVE TO SURROUNDINGS
Not paying attention to what you are doing or where you are going is a common cause of injuries at work and home.
BEST PRACTICES: While working in hazardous areas or walking about the job site, avoid distractions like using a mobile device or carrying on conversations that divert your attention from the task at hand.
COMMUNICATE HAZARDS IMMEDIATELY
If you notice a hazard, communicate this immediately to others in the area so it can be avoided, and tell management so it can be removed.
BEST PRACTICES: If you can remove a hazard on your own, do so. If not, use signs or enlist the aid of others to isolate the area until the hazard can be corrected. NEVER leave a hazard unattended.
UTILIZE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
PPE ranges from gloves and boots to helmets and respirators. Each garment is designed to protect the body from hazards like heat, chemicals, electricity, etc.
BEST PRACTICES: Always use required PPE. Ensure PPE is properly maintained, cleaned, sized, and is effective against the hazards present.
FOLLOW ESTABLISHED SAFETY PROCEDURES
Do not deviate from safety procedures or work practices, especially if you are in a hurry.
BEST PRACTICES: Follow documented procedures. If you identify a hazard not covered, report the hazard so the procedure can be amended.
USE PROPER MATERIAL HANDLING TECHNIQUES
For manual lifting, size up a load first. If it is too heavy, ask for help or use material handling equipment.
BEST PRACTICES: Always use proper lifting techniques. Wear gloves to protect your hands and a back support harness to reduce the risk of a back injury.
OBEY HAZARD WARNING SIGNS
Injuries often occur despite the use of caution signs, like a slippery floor sign, warning people of a hazard.
BEST PRACTICES: Always obey warning signs, even if you do not see a hazard present. Find a safer route around the hazard.
PRACTICE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
Whether it is in the office, shop, or inside the truck, keep your work areas clean and walkways free of slip, trip, and fall hazards.
BEST PRACTICES: Pick up any trash, boxes, computer cables, extension cords, tools or other objects that might cause you or others injury.
