How to encourage safety in the workplace

With summer approaching and new projects building up, safety in the workplace is becoming a major topic of discussion. By law, each worker is entitled to a safe work environment. Follow these guidelines to make sure your team members receive the best!

Step 1: Know your rights

Knowing your rights can make the process of encouraging a safe work environment much easier. The following is a guide provided by the OSHA about what rights workers are entitled to in the workplace. For further information, please visit www.osha.gov.

• Be trained in a language you are familiar with
• Work on machines that are safe
• Be provided with the correct safety gear
• Be protected from toxic chemicals
• Request an OSHA inspection
• Report injury or illness
• Acquire copies of a workplace injury or illness policy
• Review records or work-related injuries or illness
• Attain copies of test results of hazards in the workplace

If any of these rights are obstructed, you have the right to immediately file a complaint with the OSHA. There are two types of filing options: Safety and Health Complaint and Protection from Retaliation. For further questions, call 1-800-321-6742.

Step 2: Sign up for a training course

If you want to become educated about your safety rights while on the job, consider expanding your knowledge through a training course. OSHA offers both 10 and 30-hour training sessions that cover common safety and health hazards on the job. After completing a training session, students receive both a 10 or 30-hour course completion card. In the last five years, this specific training program has reached 4.49 million people.

Step 3: Don’t be afraid to enforce the rules

The most important aspect of creating a safe work environment is consistently enforcing the rules. OSHA has a strict enforcement policy targeted at inspection programs, fatalities, catastrophes, and complaints. Be sure you and your leadership team mare familiar with the latest enforcement memos and in adherence with all state and federal guidelines.

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