Alertness on the Job

Someone suffers from an accident-related occupational injury once every four seconds in the United States. Medical bills, lost wages and lost production time due to accidents on the job cost nearly $90 million each year.

In order to prevent more workplace accidents, we must be more safety conscious. Safety consciousness involves the need to:

• Develop and maintain a good safety attitude.
• Cultivate a "safety sense" about your job.
• Understand the need to properly use and maintain work tools.
• Identify situations that call for Personal Protective Equipment.
• Be able to administer basic First Aid in common accident situations

Preventing accidents is another part of making safety a top priority. Inspect your work area and look for trouble spots:

• Keep walkways, hallways and exits clear of obstacles.
• Repair or replace damaged electrical cords.
• Report loose railings for repair.
• Don't overstock shelves.
• Report any unsafe practices to your supervisor immediately.