10 Health
& Safety tips for the workplace
Health and Safety is a vital part of any business. As part of an employee Duty of Care, it is their legal obligation to make sure that the safety of employees and the public is not put at risk and that they are safe from harm.
Not only it is a legal and social responsibility, but it also makes good business sense.
1. Weigh up the risks
Carry out a risk assessment of your business and any potential threats. You can then make an informed decision about which risks are a priority and how to address them
2. Keep a written record
Write down the health and safety measures you are taking as a company. Write a health and safety policy and keep a record of all risk assessments. Keep an accident log of any accidents or near misses.
3. Gather Ideas from your team
Consult with your staff on health and safety. Talking to your employees can be a really useful tool to make your workplace a safer and more productive place.
4. Training
Training sessions, or health and safety workshops, may be a helpful way of making sure everyone in the company understands the role they play in creating a healthy and safe workplace.
5. Keep it tidy
One of the easiest ways of reducing the risk of accident in an office, workshop or industrial unit is to keep it clean and tidy
6. Conduct fire drills
Regular fire drills are essential and should be carried out at least once a year. Staff need to know exactly what they should do in the event of a fire.
7. Perform routine Maintenance
Make sure any equipment is regularly serviced and that any necessary repairs are carried out promptly, make sure everything, including your premises, remains in good condition.
8. First Aid
Keep a well stocked first aid kit and make sure it contains all the necessary items for dealing with an incident requiring first aid. Also ensure that enough members of staff received first aid training.
9. Identify Vulnerable Workers
Make sure you identify any workers that could be considered vulnerable, such as young or pregnant staff. Carry out a risk assessment specifically for them to make sure you are protecting their health and safety properly.
10. Look at ways of keeping stress levels down
Stress is one of the major reasons people take time off work so taking measures to make your workplace a happier and more relaxed place is important.
20 Health
& Safety tips for the Home
1. Avoid overloading Electrical outlets
2. Unplug appliances when not in use to save energy and minimize the risk of shock or fire
3. Regularly inspect electrical cords and extension cords for damage
4. Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis
5. Never plug a space heater or fan into an extension cord or power strip
6. Never run cords under rugs or carpets, doors, or windows
7. Plug in smartly. Make sure cords do not become tripping hazards
8. Keep papers and other potential combustibles at least three feet away from space heaters and other heat sources
9. Make sure you use proper wattage for lamps / lighting
10. Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Test them monthly, change batteries yearly, and replace the unit every 10 years
11. Do not leave water in buckets or tubs for your children’s safety
12. Do not use electrical appliances while in contact with water
13. Use rubber matts or wear non slip shoes in wet areas to avoid slipping
14. Stay away from windows and doors during lightning storms
15. Switch off all electrical appliances during lightning storms
16. Install fire alarms in all areas of your home
17. Do not wear loose long sleeved dress while cooking
18. Keep a wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher in the kitchen
19. Do not leave pan on the stove unattended for a long time
20. Make sure you keep a first aid box and keep it well maintained