National Safety Month: A cautious reminder

The National Safety Council reports that “every 4 minutes, someone is killed as a result of a preventable injury. After years of decline, the rate of unintentional injuries and deaths in the U.S. has risen to new and unacceptable levels.”
Accidents and emergency situations can happen in any environment, in any industry, at any time. While our workplaces are often protected by devoted police, security officers and efficient alarm systems, each individual also must take an active role in maintaining a safe work environment. Staying aware of your surroundings and recognizing any potential hazards at work will significantly reduce risks.
As director of risk management for one of the country’s leading contract security services firm, I offer the following top 10 tips, in honor of National Safety Month, to ensure a safer and more productive workplace:
&#8226 Cleanliness is next to godliness. This ancient proverb rings true today with its universal message. In a workplace, it is important that cleaning agents are available to everyone for routine cleaning and disinfecting of common areas. In addition, cleanliness is important for all employees, not just food-service and medical workers. To reduce or eliminate the spread of colds and viruses, remind workers to wash their hands thoroughly and often – for at least 10 to 20 seconds.
&#8226 Hatch a plan. Establish and communicate a company emergency/disaster plan to all employees and make sure everyone, including new employees, is educated on the plan – staff notification, evacuation and an assembly location should be included in the plan.
If a crisis happens, how will you communicate this with your employees? Establishing a communications system for employees is also key. This should include the notification of staff as well as emergency-response personnel. All plans should be periodically tested through physical drills which include verifying emergency supplies, such as batteries, first aid kits and flashlights. Emergency contact lists for employees and clients, and police, fire and paramedic departments, also should be reviewed and updated regularly.
&#8226 Drive safe. Driving is second nature and the dangers it presents are something we all take for granted. Whether you are driving your own vehicle to work, a company vehicle to a meeting, or heavy machinery around a construction site, safety should always be top of mind. Accidents are costly and threaten lives and often can be avoided. Take your time and consider safety your first priority.
&#8226 Safety instructions matter. Use all equipment, including ladders and electrical cords, properly as per the instruction manual. Follow manufacturer’s safety guidelines on all electrical equipment. Be sure to lock all doors and shut down all electrical devices when leaving your work space.
&#8226 Report unidentified spills. If you come across a chemical spill and cannot identify the substance, do not touch or move it. Barricade the area and report the spill. Never take a hazardous chemical out of its original container and store it in something else.
&#8226 Clear the way. Accidents are not always monumental in scope. The smallest things often can cause major damage. It is important to keep all working and walking surfaces free of spills and debris. This is important in all environments. Safety may be the mantra in warehouses and at industrial sites, but employees in corporate settings should be on alert as well. Spilled coffee in a stairwell or an electrical cord stretched across a walkway can lead to slips and falls resulting in serious injuries.
&#8226Keep friends close but recognize strangers. Become familiar with the people in your immediate work area so to easily identify an individual who may not belong there. Report a stranger or co-worker displaying suspicious or potentially threatening behavior. Don’t share access-control codes or keys with anyone. Associates and vendors, even those who visit often, should be treated as guests and should follow guest access procedures.
&#8226 Protect yourself. Personal protection equipment should be taken seriously. But, unfortunately, avoidable accidents occur daily. Use hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and other equipment when appropriate. If such protection is not available, ask for it.
&#8226 Fire and wood spell trouble. Keep combustibles such as wood, paper and trash away from all heat sources.
&#8226 Report and investigate. If an accident does occur, it is important to report it immediately. Accurate records need to be kept and changes may need to be made to prevent future dangerous situations.
Taking personal accountability for your actions and proactively contributing to a secure working atmosphere before a problem occurs is the best way to stay safe. Keeping to the basics; taking the time to develop comprehensive plans; communicating those plans via policies, procedures and announcements; and actually conducting exercises will assure the health and safety of your employees and emergency responders. &#8226
Jeffrey M. Quinn is director of risk management for AlliedBarton Security Services. Established in 1957, AlliedBarton Security Services is the largest American-owned security officer services company.

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