We all share a responsibility for safety. Don’t let distractions, at work or home, make you lose focus and lead to injuries. The U.S. recognizes June as National Safety Month, but we can all use an opportunity to recommit to an overall emphasis on safety.
Throughout your day, as you approach every task, stop and think for a moment. Do you understand what needs to be done and how to do it safely? Do you have the right tools? As you move forward with your task, be sure to perform it in the safest way possible. Always stop if your task can’t be done safely.
Below are some additional safety topics and tips:
Hand and Finger Safety
Have you ever thought about all of the routine tasks you do with your hands? Opening a door. Using a fork. Tying your shoes. Hand and finger injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, but these tips apply to any task. Remember these important takeaways:
- Pay attention to where both hands are placed.
- Look before you reach or grab.
- Use safety guards on equipment or appliances, and make sure you’re properly protecting your hands from chemicals, hot or cold substances and sharp objects.
- Be aware of and avoid pinch points. Use a tool instead of your hands to feed materials into equipment or food into appliances. Avoid wearing rings, jewelry or loose clothing that could get caught while you’re working.
- Use the proper tools to clean up sharp objects.
Travel Safety
When you’re traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in your trip or adventure. Follow these tips whether you’re traveling in your own country or abroad:
- Do your research and get to know your destination in advance.
- Before you leave, send a copy of your itinerary to a few trusted friends or family members. While traveling, check in regularly.
- Protect your luggage and personal items.
- Safeguard your hotel room.
- Don’t share too much with strangers.
While traveling internationally:
- Save digital copies of important documents.
- Get travel insurance.
- Sign up for travel alerts.
- Make sure your cell phone has international calling coverage.
No matter where you’re traveling, if someone or someplace makes you uncomfortable, there’s most likely a reason. Trust your instincts.
Office Safety
While office workers may have a lower risk for workplace injuries, it’s still important to keep safety top of mind:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- When it’s slippery outside, walk carefully when entering and leaving your office building.
- Be vigilant about who has access and is entering your building.
- Make sure your workspace design fits you and take regular breaks to get up and move around.
- Use office tools and machines correctly and remember proper lifting techniques.
- Know office emergency procedures.
Safety at Home
Most home accidents can be easily prevented. Keep yourself and your family safe by:
- Keeping floors dry and using appropriate step stools.
- Installing and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keeping anything with an open flame away from children and pets.
- Securing pools with locked gates and covering hot tubs tightly.
- Putting child-resistant locks on airtight spaces like refrigerators.
- Creating a home safety plan to help prepare for emergencies.
Remember, the most important safety resource we have is each other. Watch out for your co-workers and family members, and don’t hesitate to speak up if you see unsafe working conditions or an unsafe act. Paying attention to safety makes it a habit and an attitude.