1. Be Aware

Always be alert to your surroundings, remembering that your safety is your responsibility. Understand the particular hazards related to your job or workplace, and keep clear of potentially hazardous areas or situations. Avoid going to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which can compromise your concentration, coordination, judgement, motor control and alertness.

2. Maintain Correct Posture

Use correct posture to protect your back. While sitting, keep your shoulders and hips in line and avoid hunching over. Use correct form when lifting objects and avoid twisting and stooping.

3. Take Breaks Regularly

Feeling tired and burnt out makes you less likely to be aware of your surroundings and is a common cause of workplace injuries. Regular short breaks help you stay fresh and alert particularly when you have a task that requires repetitive movements over a long period of time.

4. Use Equipment Properly

Always take proper precautions when operating machinery or tools and avoid taking shortcuts. Use the appropriate tools in the right way.

5. Locate Emergency Exits

Always know where emergency exits are located and keep the path to them clear. You should also have clear access to emergency shut-offs on machinery.

6. Report Safety Concerns

If you notice a potential safety hazard or risk, report it to your supervisor immediately so they can address the situation. Keep communication lines open and work as a team to create a safe working environment.

7. Practice Effective Housekeeping

Maintain a clean and organized workplace environment. Make housekeeping an ongoing project that everyone is involved in and keep these tips in mind:

• Prevent trips, slips and falls by keeping all floors clean and dry and provide signage for wet/slippery floors
• Eliminate fire hazards by removing combustible materials and storing flammable materials away from sources of ignition
• Control dust accumulation
• Use appropriate procedures to prevent falling objects
• Keep the workplace clutter free with appropriate storage of equipment
• Regularly inspect tools and personal protective equipment to make sure they are in good working order.

8. Make Use of Mechanical Aids

Take the extra time to obtain a wheelbarrow, crank, conveyor belt, forklift or other mechanical aid to assist you in lifting heavy objects.

9. Reduce Workplace Stress

Stress can contribute to difficult in concentrating and depression, which make it hard to be alert at work. If you are experiencing workplace stress, talk to your supervisor about ways to address your concerns.

10. Use Appropriate Safety Equipment

It is important to use the proper safety equipment for a task to help protect yourself from injury:

• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for your job.
• Know the location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
• Use a hard hat if there is a risk of falling objects.
• Wear gloves when handling toxic substances or sharp objects.
• Wear goggles when there is a hazard to your eyes.
• Use safety harnesses if there is a danger of falling.
• Wear non-skid shoes when working on slippery surfaces or lifting heavy objects.
• Wear a breathing mask.

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