Workplace Safety

For Employees

Session Objectives You will be able to:• Understand why safety is such an important

workplace issue• Identify the requirements of OSHA and the

law• Know what our safety policy requires• Take an active role in promoting workplace

safety and health

Session Outline• Importance of workplace safety• Facts about OSHA and its mission• Legal and policy requirements• How you can contribute to workplace safety

and health• Key safety concerns and precautions to

prevent accidents and injuries

Why Safety Is Such an Important Issue• Over 6 million

American workers are injured every year• Injuries and illnesses

cost American businesses over $100 billion a year

Why Safety Is Such an Important Issue (cont.)

•We are required by law to provide a safe workplace• Safety promotes productivity and morale

Facts About OSHA• OSHA is an agency of the federal

government• It is responsible for promoting workplace

safety nationwide• OSHA was created by the Occupational

Safety and Health Act of 1970• It has the authority to oversee compliance

with safety and health laws

What OSHA Does• Develops and enforces safety standards• Encourages employers and employees to

reduce workplace hazards• Conducts research in occupational safety• Establishes the rights and responsibilities of

employers and employees• Approves state occupational safety and

health programs

OSHA Standards• OSHA regulates most

aspects of workplace safety and health• Compliance is

mandatory• OSHA will help us

comply with the regulations• The state also

regulates workplace safety

Our Safety Policy• Purpose • Understanding • Enforcement

Requirements of the Law and Our Policy• Questions?

Safety Attitude• Think safety• Look for hazards• Fix or report hazards

Good Housekeeping• Keep items in their

proper place• Clean or report spills• Clear clutter• Keep items off

stairways and out of aisles• Report safety problems• Use common sense

Personal Protective Equipment• Use the right

equipment for the job• Inspect PPE before

every use• Make sure PPE fits• Follow manufacturer’s

instructions• Clean and store

properly

Electrical Safety• Use extension cords

properly• Don’t run them across

stairs or aisles• Don’t fasten them with

nails or staples

• Don’t overload outlets• Don’t use plugs with

bent or missing prongs • Obey locks, tags,

barricades, and electrical warning signs

Back Safety• Reach properly• Lift properly

• Object from floor• Object from overhead• Oversized or heavy

object• Long or awkward objects

• Use material handling equipment• Do stretching exercises

Ergonomics• Arrange your

workstation• Sit properly• Avoid repetitive

motions when possible• Take breaks• Keep wrists straight• Use proper equipment

Ergonomics (cont.)

• Know symptoms of MSDs• Pain• Tingling• Stiffness• Weakness• Numbness• Swelling

• Get medical attention for MSD symptoms

Hazard Communication• Read chemical labels• Read MSDSs• Use proper PPE• Follow safety

procedures• Seek immediate

medical attention if exposed

Machine Safety• Obey tags• Make sure guards are

in place• Report problems• Wear correct PPE• Focus on work

Office Safety• Keep drawers closed• Sit upright in chairs• Don’t horse around

with furniture or supplies• Keep flammables away

from hot office equipment

Basic Safety Issues• Questions?

Emergency Situations• Know location of fire

alarms and extinguishers• Know what alarms

sound like • Know how to use

extinguishers• Know at least two

evacuation routes• Know meeting place

outside building

First Aid• Call for professional

medical help• Bring help to victim• Check victim’s ABCs• Check victim’s vitals• Interview victim• Use appropriate first-

aid measures

Infectious Diseases and Bloodborne Pathogens• Wash hands often• Use precautions when

giving first aid• Treat all blood as

contaminated• Use PPE• Clean up thoroughly• Get medical attention if

you’re exposed

Security• Follow company

procedures• Keep doors locked• Don’t loan keys or

access cards• Report unknown

people• Report security gaps

Workplace Violence• Take threats seriously• Recognize signs of potential violence in

co-workers• Report signs• Arrange a danger signal with co-workers• Remain calm with emotional people• Alert proper authorities

Terrorism• Protect your computer• Handle mail with

caution• Cooperate with

precautions• Follow procedures

during an incident• Shelter in place

Key Points to Remember•Workplace safety is a top priority• Compliance with OSHA regulations is a

legal requirement• Company policies and rules must be

followed• You play a key role in promoting workplace

safety and health, and we need you to be actively involved in all our safety programs