Attitude To Safety In The Workplace
3 points to remember:
- Most incidents can be avoided; be aware of conditions around you. If you see that something is wrong, fix it or report it.
- Do not have the attitude that health and safety is someone else’s problem.
- You have a legal obligation to work safely; breaches can result in heavy fines for you and the company
Stick to the rules
- Be aware of your obligations under the legislation
- Be aware of company rules and regulations
- Co-operate with directions to maintain and improve safe conditions
Know your way around
- Become familiar with the workplace in all respects, so that you know where to go and who to turn to in an emergency.
- Locate all exit points.
- Know who is responsible for Health and Safety and First Aid.
- Locate First Aid stations.
- Know the evacuation procedures.
- Find out where the fire fighting equipment is and how to use it.
- Locate communication points such as phones and intercoms, etc.
Share what you know
Tactfully alert a fellow worker if he/she is engaged in unsafe practices.
Housekeeping – Amenities
- A clean workplace is a safer workplace and you have a personal responsibility to clean up after yourself.
- Keep amenities clean; such as showers, change rooms, fridges, urns, microwaves, jugs, appliances, sink and bench tops and meal rooms.
- Put rubbish, scraps, waste etc. in bins.
- Put perishable foodstuffs in the refrigerator.
- Replace lids and caps on containers.
- Wipe up spills
Keep your eyes open
- Be alert to potential hazards and risks; if you observe any then do something about them.
- Report potentially dangerous situations or practices to management.
- Remove, cover, signpost or barricade hazards whenever practical.