6 Workplace Safety Rules That Employees Should Be Aware About
Most people tend to forget about safety - wherever it may be. One may just assume there won’t be any mishaps when at work, at home or in a public space. However, accidents may happen. They may not necessarily happen to you all the time, but that is no reason to put your guard down. If you take yourself to work, this article should be of great importance to you. We’ll tell you six ways in which you can keep safe and know what you can do, when there is need for action.
1. Temperature
As the HSE states, the temperature in workplaces should be between 13°C to 16°C, if the work is physical. If it's not, don't worry - you need not have to work in Arctic temperatures or in uncomfortable heat. The rules say that the temperature should provide reasonable comfort without special clothing. So, if the air conditioning is making your teeth clatter, don’t wait to catch a cold; just ask for the remote.
2. Room for Improvement
All workplaces should be spacious. It’s not just you who says so, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations, 1992) think so too. They’ve specified that you’re entitled to a minimum of 11 cubic meters of space, irrespective of what work you do. The individual space allotted will of course increase as your work burden and the responsibility attached to it gets bigger. If you feel cramped, ask for a bigger space to work!
3. Its Lit!
The law here, is fairly situational. Lighting legislations state that you are entitled to sufficient amounts of lighting, depending on the type of work that you do. If you have control over your own lighting, that can help reduce stress. It also motivates you to work better as you feel you have more independence in the workplace, but that’s for your employer to know.
4. "A" Grade Facilities For "A" Grade Staff
Of course, if they want you to provide them with excellent service, you must have the favor returned to you. Basic facilities like washrooms need to be clean and tidy. The regulations demand as many washbasins as there are toilets in the restrooms. The number of restrooms is also relative to the amount of staff employed by the company. Additionally, you are to be provided with space to store your belongings and clothes as well. All employees should be provided with places to eat and rest comfortably and nursing areas for expectant mothers.
5. Safe and Secure
Smoking in public spaces and workplaces is prohibited by law. Other aspects, such as adequate security to ensure your safety are necessary and crucial to your work experience. All workplaces should have a first aid kit which should be filled with valid, prescribed medicines and should be used to your aid in the case of an untoward incident. You are liable to insurance against any mishap or accident at work. It is also wise for your company to install a safety emergency alarm system which, in the case of an unnatural occurrence, alerts the authorities immediately, much like a school panic button system.
6. Silence Please!
Ever been disturbed by noise at work? You shouldn’t be. The rules are clear about this - employers are to follow the guide to noise covered under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations of 2005. Noise should also not interfere with safety related communications, in the common interest of all those working in the company.
Wow! That was quite a list. How many of these tips were you aware of? If you knew all of them, you’re good! If you didn’t, we’ll you do know now! Make sure you put your knowledge to good use. Being safe is of course, of great concern and you must be able to do the right thing at the right place at the right time, for your own good and for the welfare of those around you. So, the next time you’re in office, make sure everything is right.