Protecting Yourself from Unsafe Working Conditions

Protecting Yourself from Unsafe Working Conditions

Working safely is a condition of employment and each employee is responsible for their safety.

An unsafe act is based upon the actions of an individual or a group of individuals.

An unsafe condition is the result of the action or inaction of others and is usually encountered by an individual as opposed to the individual creating the situation.

Although most accidents result from unsafe acts there are those where unsafe conditions were the contributing factor. Recognizing unsafe conditions or hazards in the workplace is not just a safety director’s responsibility. It is the responsibility of all employees - whether it’s the most junior employee or the company president - to identify hazards and make suggestions on how to fix the problem.

Here are some unsafe acts and conditions that can lead to an accident:

·         Failing to wear proper personal protection equipment

·         Using frayed or cut extension cords

·         Handling chemicals or other hazardous materials improperly

·         Exercising improper lifting techniques

·         Working too close to power lines

·         Smoking near flammables or explosives

·         Disregarding posted warning signs

·         Failing to follow proper procedures when entering a confined space

·         Poor housekeeping - everything should have a place and should be stored when not in use

·         Using improper or defective tools

·         Handling materials with sharp edges carelessly

·         Failing to follow proper procedures for setting up traffic controls in work zones

·         Failing to establish lines of communication between operators and ground guides

·         Working at unsafe speeds to accomplish a task

·         Abusing alcohol or drugs

·         Removing a guard from a piece of machinery or equipment

·         Insufficient illumination

·         Unguarded trenches and excavations

·         Poor ventilation

·         Unlabeled containers

·         Spoil piles too close to the edge of a trench

·         Not enough fire extinguishers available

·         Improperly installed guard rail, or no rail at all

Accidents on the job can be reduced by working in a safe manner and avoiding unsafe acts. The following four steps can help keep the jobsite safe:

·         Recognize the hazard or unsafe condition.

·         If possible, correct the condition yourself immediately.

·         If the corrective action is beyond your control, protect others from the hazard and report it.

·         Follow up to ensure that the hazard has been corrected.

Procedure

When any unsafe condition is identified, the condition will immediately be inspected by the responsible manager or supervisor. If the manager or supervisor cannot immediately correct the unsafe condition to allow continued operation, the affected area will be isolated and notify it to the Safety Department.

In the case of defective equipment, the equipment will be removed from service and all energy sources isolated using the Lockout-Tag out procedures. The equipment will not be returned to service until the defective condition has been corrected and a thorough satisfactory safety inspection of the equipment and surrounding work areas has been

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of each manager, supervisor, and employee to ensure implementation of this program covering Unsafe Conditions. It is also the responsibility of each employee to report immediately any unsafe act or condition to his or her supervisor and to make all efforts to avoid accidents and injuries.

Managers

Managers are responsible for ensuring that adequate funds are available and budgeted for the purchase of required resources to eliminate unsafe conditions in their areas. Managers will obtain and coordinate the required training for their employees. Managers will also ensure compliance through the safety auditing process.

Supervisors

Supervisors will not allow any employee who has not received the required training to perform any unsafe tasks or activities associated with his or her job. Supervisors will be responsible for communicating appropriate needs to managers/unit heads and/or supervisors. Supervisors will ensure that employees are provided with PPE as necessary for their job.

Employees

Employees shall comply with all applicable guidelines contained in this safety program.

"SAFE WORK is GREAT WORK"

Post by Indian Safety Association.

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This publication provides practical loss control and safety information to assist you in making your workplace safer. It is not legal advice. You should read and understand all relevant Safety Rules, Regulation and Standard that apply to your job site(s). You may want to consult with your own attorney regarding aspects of Safety Standards and Regulation which may affect you.

Note: The information in this publication is time sensitive. Do not rely upon this document if its publication date is more than three years old. You’ll also find a variety of other valuable safety information designed to help your business prevent injuries and control costs.