Safety in the workplace is a huge concern for employers. The repercussions from an injury during working hours can create unwanted liability for a company. There is a protection plan for every part of your body. The United States Department of Labor requires employers to implement protection plans and regulations. Depending on the type of work an employee is doing, more specific and strict rules may be implemented.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015 4,836 workers were killed on the job. These deaths were caused by either falls, struck by objects, electrocutions, etc. All of these could have been prevented with the correct protection plans and equipment in place. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration branch of the USDL work to enforce safety steps for employers to follow. The OSHA website lays out guidelines of what potential dangers there are, the requirements that need to be met and protection options employees can choose from.

Here are 5 ways that employers can promote safety practices in the workplace:

• Have employees wear safety gloves when dealing with hazardous materials and/ or waste
• Always have someone holding the base of a ladder while you are on it
• Wear a hardhat in construction zones
• Regularly maintenance all machines and equipment
• Train employees about the hazards they may face at work and keep records of training

If you are concerned that your company does not have the correct safety requirements in place, talk to your manager and/or visit OSHA’s website for more information on regulations that need to be in place.

https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/ppe_assessment/ppe_assessment.html