Most employees are faced with some sort of hazard at the job site. Workplace safety needs to be a top priority not only for employers but the employees as well. Miners, or employees who may work in confined spaces, may be at more risk than those who work in open offices, but it is important to ensure that places of employment are safe for everyone involved. The Occupational Safety and Administration’s (OSHA) duty is to help prevent work-related injuries, and even death, from occurring.

Things You Will Need

  • Equipment inspection checklist

  • Job training manuals

  • OSHA manual

Ensure all employees have safe working tools, equipment, and materials. Inspect and test each piece of equipment on a regular basis to make sure it's working properly. Provide a checklist and maintain the items properly. Report any equipment that is broken or in danger of causing harm on the job. Keep a record of broken equipment and provide dates if and when it is repaired.

Provide employees with adequate and proper training for any and all aspects of the workplace. Be sure the employee attends regular safety meetings and understands all procedures for a particular job or workstation. Give training materials well in advance to guarantee employees are prepared before they begin a job.

Report any workplace accident, injury, or even death. It is important to fix and correct any accident-prone areas on the job to make sure additional employees are not in any danger. File a report with OSHA immediately and follow proper procedures provided by the organization.

Wear body and eye protective covering when needed. Welders, machinists, carpenters, and factory workers may encounter work that can be harmful to the body or eyes if proper protective covering is not worn. Bits and pieces of metal, wood, or other objects have the potential of causing injury.

Make sure appropriate ventilation is available at the workplace. Fumes from certain materials may cause damage if proper safety is not followed. Working in a confined space may accelerate the need to use proper ventilation. Be aware of carbon dioxide fumes in the workplace.

Send home sick employees or employees infected with diseases and illnesses. Check with OSHA to determine proper action regarding diseases or viruses at the work place. Arrange blood tests or checkups, to help prevent an illness from spreading.

Take notice of violence and stress-related incidents at the workplace. A disgruntled employee may need to be dealt with on a one-on-one basis. Prevent potential problems and deal with insubordinate employees ahead of time. Talk to experts about dealing with stress and violence to help prevent any altercations at the workplace.

Tip

Contact an insurance specialist to determine if worker's compensation is needed for specific jobs.

Warning

Not following OSHA's policies may result in fines and citations.