A safe workplace doesn’t just protect employees from accidents; it also boosts employee morale, enhances productivity, and ensures compliance with regulations. By prioritizing occupational safety, employers create a safer workplace that fosters a strong safety culture and reduces hazards.
In this guide, we’ll explore ten actionable tips to strengthen workplace safety and stay compliant with safety standards.
1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Awareness is the first line of defense against workplace hazards. For example, OSHA’s Severe Injury Reports highlight thousands of incidents each year where workers were caught in machinery or injured by shifting equipment.
To maintain a safe work environment, employees should continuously scan their surroundings for risks such as wet floors, exposed wires, or unsecured tools. Additionally, observing coworkers’ actions can help identify unsafe behaviors. If someone bypasses safety procedures, addressing or reporting it can prevent accidents. Early hazard identification and reporting are also crucial. This aligns with OSHA’s emphasis on proactive safety communication as it handles safety concerns before they escalate.
2. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is essential in high-risk industries. From 2023 to 2024, OSHA’s top violations included failures in Respiratory Protection and Fall Protection — both preventable with proper safety gear.
Employers should enforce PPE compliance by requiring industry-specific equipment, such as helmets for construction, gloves for chemical handling, and steel-toed boots for manufacturing. Regular PPE inspections should be part of workplace safety training, ensuring gear is free from damage. If PPE is cracked, frayed, or compromised, it should be replaced immediately.
Staying up to date on safety standards and attending training on new equipment, such as improved respirators or anti-slip harnesses, can further enhance workplace health and safety.
3. Follow Workplace Safety Procedures
Workplace safety procedures exist to protect employees from workplace hazards. OSHA’s 2024 data revealed that Control of Hazardous Energy (lockout/tagout) and Machine Guarding were among the most violated standards. Following safety protocols such as properly securing machinery before repairs and using correct lifting techniques, can prevent workplace accidents.
Employers should conduct regular workplace safety training that includes emergency drills, fire safety procedures, and proper equipment use. Employees who are unsure about safety procedures should seek clarification from supervisors. With over 24,600 severe amputations reported since 2015, strict adherence to safety protocols is a necessity, not an option.
4. Communicate Concerns and Hazards
Strong safety cultures thrive on open communication. The National Safety Council (NSC) emphasizes that transparent reporting channels are essential for reducing risks such as workplace violence, hazardous conditions, and safety violations.
Employees should use reporting tools such as anonymous hotlines or digital reporting systems to flag hazards without fear of retaliation. Joining workplace safety committees can also be valuable, as firsthand experience can shape better workplace safety policies.
5. Take Breaks to Avoid Fatigue
Fatigue is a major safety concern that increases the risk of errors and workplace injuries. The NSC notes that overexertion accounts for over 1 million DART (days away from work, job restriction, or transfer) cases annually. Employees should schedule regular breaks to maintain focus and prevent exhaustion.
Proper workload management is also essential — prioritizing tasks and pacing work can reduce stress and prevent burnout. Employers should align workplace safety standards with OSHA’s recommendations on rest periods, particularly in high-risk industries like healthcare, where workplace injuries rose by 27,800 cases in 2023, according to BLS.
6. Keep Workspaces Clean and Organized
A cluttered work environment is a safety hazard. OSHA reports that slips, trips, and falls represent 15% of all workplace fatalities. Employees can reduce risks by properly storing tools in labeled cabinets, promptly disposing of waste materials, and implementing daily cleanup routines.
A well-organized workspace aligns with safety inspection best practices and contributes to a safe work environment.
7. Understand Emergency Procedures
Knowing how to respond to emergencies is critical for workplace health and safety. OSHA’s safety procedures emphasize the importance of understanding evacuation routes, fire extinguisher use, and first-aid protocols.
Employees should participate in regular workplace safety training drills to react instinctively in crises such as chemical spills or active shooter incidents. Familiarizing themselves with emergency exits, AEDs, and assembly points ensures a swift response. If any aspect of fire safety or emergency preparedness is unclear, employees should request additional training.
8. Practice a Safety-First Mindset
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that starts with individual accountability. Employees should be vigilant about their safety and that of their coworkers. If a colleague forgets to wear the required PPE, a friendly reminder can help prevent workplace injuries.
Leading by example and following safety guidelines, even under pressure, reinforces a strong safety culture. Reporting near-misses can also provide employers with valuable data to address hazards before a serious workplace accident occurs.
9. Stay Informed Through Regular Training
OSHA frequently updates safety regulations, making it essential for employees to stay informed. Training should cover first aid and CPR, proper equipment handling, and safety management systems.
Investing in regular safety training enhances workplace health and safety for employees across all industries. After all, a well-trained workforce is a safer workforce.
10. Avoid Drug and Alcohol Use at Work
Substance use in the workplace poses a serious safety risk, impairing judgment or alertness, and this includes prescription medications that cause drowsiness.
While discouraging substance abuse and providing support for employees is key, employers should also consider making naloxone kits available in first-aid stations, as recommended by the NSC, to prevent overdose-related workplace incidents. The National Safety Council reported 512 workplace overdose deaths in 2023, many of which could have been prevented with a naloxone kit.
Implementing a strict yet fair drug and alcohol policy also promotes a safer workplace for all employees. Employer drug testing programs, such as Fastest Labs’ DOT-compliant workplace drug testing, can also help monitor for substance abuse issues.
Supporting Workplace Safety With Fastest Labs
At Fastest Labs, we’re committed to workplace safety and compliance. Our services include random drug testing, DOT compliance testing, and workplace safety resources to help you prevent workplace accidents before they happen.
Ready to elevate your safety program? Find a Fastest Labs location near you and take the next step in ensuring workplace safety for employees across your organization.
