When working in potentially dangerous areas or around heavy equipment, you have to be careful not to get hurt. While most employers push for approved practices and training to ensure safety at work, accidents happen and OSHA still issues thousands of penalties a year. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration enforces safety regulations for job sites, production plants, and both private and federal employers. If you’re unsure of how safe your work environment is, here are some safety red flags you should look out for, and some helpful tips that may keep you out of harm’s way.
1. PPE
Not wearing the proper personal protective equipment is one of the most commonly cited safety violations, leading to both immediate and long-term issues. Face and eye injuries due to an absence of PPE can have life-altering results. OSHA requires employers to provide all necessary PPE, you just have to make sure you wear it. Unfortunately, if there is a culture of disregarding some or all PPE on a job site, you may feel pressured to follow along and unnecessarily open yourself up to injury.
2. Lack of Training and Information
Employers are required to make safety information readily available in high-risk areas. Knowing how to avoid dangerous situations gives you the power to keep yourself and coworkers safe on the job site. If you don’t have anything to reference, you or your coworkers may not know that the things you’re doing are unsafe or against the rules. So if your employer hasn’t provided safety documentation, it may be worth worth pointing out this oversight to ensure safety at work.
3. Repetitive Motion Injuries
We often hear of secretaries getting carpal tunnel from years of typing. But did you know something similar can happen if you have a lot of repetitive motion in your regular duties? Muscle and bone issues can crop up after years of using machines that give off a lot of vibration or require periods in fixed positions. It is recommended that you stretch, take breaks to move around, and if possible, alternate hands to spread out the wear on your arms and joints. Good posture and using ergonomic equipment can also go a long way to reduce the amount of strain your body feels.
4. Careless Workers
No one likes a sloppy job done by a coworker, but when it comes to electrical and gas work, carelessness can result in death. Lock-out tag-out violations rose 30% from 2022-23 and are a leading cause of injury for electricians and linemen. Lock out tag out locks are meant to show someone is working down the line and prevent the flow of gas or electricity down to them. If these locks are ignored and removed, the open pipes or shorted wires further down can cause electrocution, fires, and even explosions if the right equipment is present.
5. Heights
If you get injured on a job site, statistically it will be from falling off of a ladder. Ladders and scaffolding set up on uneven ground or over unsupported gaps can lead to catastrophic consequences. Unfortunately, when ladders are set up in dangerous ways, it’s often because it’s easy and fast. Look for management and job site leaders who prioritize doing things the right way instead of the easy way.
6. Machinery
You can be desensitized to the inherent danger that comes with using some equipment. Not waiting for machines to fully turn off before crossing into dangerous areas can result in a number of injuries depending on the machine. It can be dangerous to forget how powerful machinery is, resulting in broken bones and other accidents. Safe operating practices are necessary every time you pick up a piece of equipment.
7. Dull Blades
It’s harder to cut with a dull blade, which makes you more likely to cut yourself. Whether you have to push a saw harder or hold material at an awkward angle, the chances of slipping and getting your hand caught in the blade increase significantly if it’s dull. Blades are designed to be sharpened to produce the most efficient cut. If they get dull, dirty, or are used improperly, the risk of injury goes up, so this is a big safety red flag to watch out for.
8. Unattended Spills
In environments where you’re surrounded by heavy pallets and roving forklifts, you wouldn’t think a slightly damp floor could hurt you. However, unattended spills are huge risks in warehouses where lighting often isn’t the best and the floor color and texture combine to blend spills in. Falling and landing on your back can lead to hip, pelvic, and spine fractures. Fall forward and you put your face, wrists, and ribs at risk. Warehouses often require employees to wear non-slip shoes for this reason. But if you are only occasionally in the warehouse you may be exempt from this rule.
9. Safety Tip: Wear Your PPE
Just like seatbelts, personal protective equipment is required because it keeps you safe. Even if there’s a culture of disregarding safety rules and taking off PPE, don’t feel pressure to participate to fit in. It’s better to endure some light ribbing from coworkers than to injure yourself from lack of proper PPE. According to Mod Advisor, studies have shown that experienced workers tend to take more risks, which can put them in danger. Continuing to follow all the safety rules you learned when you first arrived on the job site will help you stay healthy.
10. Understand OSHA Regulations
Challenge yourself to have a working understanding of the relevant OSHA regulations. While it may be daunting to try and learn everything, start with the areas you work in most often so you can spot violations and safety red flags. Knowledge is power and can help prevent issues before they have a chance to hurt someone. Being proactive and safe can also be seen very positively by management.
11. Look for Leaders You Admire
A good leader often sets the tone for a team and ensures safety at work. Studies have even shown that positive work environments lead to fewer accidents. When looking at new job opportunities, seeing hands-on, involved management leading their teams safely through a project is a major green flag. Find leaders you admire and strive to become one yourself.
Have a Safety-First Mindset
Going into a new job site is daunting and it can be easy to miss some safety red flags while you’re getting acclimated. Having a watchful eye, knowing regulations, and being present during training can help you keep yourself and others safe. Wearing your PPE, understanding how to prevent dangerous situations, and avoiding risks will serve you well and ensure safety at work.