Managers and business owners prioritize staff safety. They have a duty of care to their employees and those they oversee, mainly due to their obligation to adhere to health and safety laws. Here, we discuss how individuals can improve their safety at work.

According to UK health and safety law and the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), employers are responsible for protecting their employees and anyone else who might be affected by the business.

While employers must take care to protect their staff, there are things that employees can do on an individual level to keep themselves safe, too. If you’re an employee and wondering how you can improve your safety in the workplace, take a look at these pointers. Here, we look at some ways you can take action without simply relying on what your boss has introduced.

Keep Your Workspace Clean

Wherever you work, whether in an office, kitchen, or classroom, keeping your area clean and free of dirt makes it tidier and reduces the risk of harmful bacteria. Additionally, it removes potential hazards like slippery surfaces. Make it part of your routine to wipe down surfaces with disinfectant and dust and clear away rubbish. Set reminders to dedicate time to cleaning and assessing your workspace.

Invest in the Right Equipment

What sector do you work in? You’ll likely receive appropriate personal protective equipment if you’re in the medical profession or on a building site. If you need protection to do your job effectively, ask your manager for the necessary PPE. For instance, welders need high-quality protective goggles, and mechanics need ear defenders. As a security guard, the equipment used by your team can drastically affect job quality and safety. You need equipment for self-defence and proper communication. Tools such as body armour, batons, flashlights, etc., must be used. For communication, you can try using two-way communication earpieces. These devices can facilitate effective contact among your team members, ensuring seamless collaboration, and you can quickly request assistance in an emergency,

The right equipment is essential if you work in a hazardous place like a warehouse. In this case, steel-capped boots and back support belts will likely protect you when lifting heavy objects. However, some issues can occur in desk-based jobs, too, and it’s worth asking your HR manager for wrist support tools if you’re typing a lot or screen protectors if your laptop is affecting your vision.

By asking your managers for PPE, you’re taking responsibility for your well-being in the workplace.

Safety For Lone Workers

For individuals working alone, safety should be a top priority due to the increased risks associated with isolation. Implementing a lone worker system is crucial, as it offers real-time monitoring, emergency alerts, and automatic check-ins, ensuring immediate assistance if needed. Lone workers should also establish regular communication with their supervisors or team members, providing updates on their location and tasks. Additionally, they must be trained to recognize potential hazards in their environment and know the appropriate emergency procedures. By taking these precautions, lone workers can minimize risks and ensure their well-being in situations where help may not be readily available.

Make Sure You’re Fully Trained

You’ll need the training to act safely if you operate power tools or machinery. Training should be part and parcel of your role in these situations. However, if you feel like you need more information or your knowledge is patchy, always request training before you go in and use the equipment or tools.  Eco Online provides safety training that is fully customizable to fit your industry’s needs.

Whatever setting you work in, if you request further training, you reduce the hazard levels and keep yourself and your colleagues safe.

While your boss has a duty of care to you and legal responsibilities to meet, you must take the lead where you think there might be an issue. Being responsible for your health and safety at work can make a massive difference to the workplace for yourself and those around you.