A lot of employees make the mistake of thinking that health and safety isn’t anything to do with them and that it’s the job of their employer. However, the truth is that if you want to have a successful career, you need to take responsibility for your own health and safety. Yes, it is partly your employer’s job to keep you safe while at work, but it’s also down to you to act responsibly while at work and follow the procedures that are in place.
So with that in mind, it’s important to understand that the procedures that are in place in your workplace are only there for your own good and should always be adhered to. To help you ensure that you keep yourself safe while at work, below are some tips and pieces of advice to follow.
Understand how important health and safety training is
Your employer offers your health and safety training for a reason – to keep you and your colleagues safe. So when it comes to taking part in training days and events, make sure to take it seriously. Don’t spend the time messing around the ignoring what you’re being told, because if you want to keep yourself safe while at work, then you need to heed the health and safety advice that is being shared. When it comes to preventing accidents and injuries in the workplace, training is the key.
Dress in a manner that’s appropriate for work
The chances are if your employer requests that you dress in a certain way for work, there’s a reason for it. Unless what they’re asking is inappropriate, it’s important to dress as you’re asked by your employer, because there is always a reason for certain dress codes. For example, if your boss recommends a pair of great work shoes that have a steel tip, there’s a reason for this, so don’t turn up in non-protective footwear. If you’re unsure of why you have to dress in a certain way or wear a certain piece of uniform, such as a high visibility jacket, ask your employer what the reason is for having to wear it.
Don’t clown around
While it’s all well and good having fun with your colleagues, it’s important to take your job seriously and not clown around. This is especially important if you work in an environment that comes with various risks, as often, the cause of accidents and injuries is messing around. So it’s important to make sure that when you’re working, you behave in an appropriate manner, to help keep yourself and your colleagues safe. This means adhering to any health and safety notices, and ensuring that you perform each task in the least risky manner possible.
When it comes to health and safety at work, following the procedures that are in place is crucial. What it’s important to understand is that every rule and regulation is in place for a reason, not just for the fun of it, so it’s vital that you adhere to them.