Back to Work
- Posted on: Sep 1 2016
As summer comes to a close, many individuals will be returning to work. Whether you are a seasonal worker (like a teacher), or simply someone who has taken an enjoyable summertime vacation, many workers will be returning back to the old grind shortly. Remember, when you return to your job, you must make a concerted effort to practice job safety and do everything possible to avoid an on the job accident.
Dr. Jeff J. Mollins, who is a specialist treating work related injuries (due to work accidents), for almost 30 years is well aware of the potential devastating effects a work accident can have on an individual and their family as well. The following is a list of workplace safety tips every employee should know:
- Be Aware Of Your Surroundings-This requires knowing the particular hazards of your job or workplace. Once you’ve learned these risks, you are able to keep clear of potential hazardous areas, and potential hazardous situations. Also, always be alert of machinery.
- Keep Correct Posture To Protect Your Back-If you work at a desk, keep your shoulders in line with your hips to avoid back problems. If you’re picking things up, use correct form so your back doesn’t get hurt. Avoid stooping and twisting. If possible, always use ergonomic designed furniture and safety equipment so everything you need is within easy reach.
- Take Regular Breaks-So many work-related injuries and illnesses occur because a worker is tired, burned out and not alert to their surroundings. Taking regular breaks helps you stay fresh on the job.
- Use Tools And Machinery Properly-Take the proper precautions when using tools, and never take shortcuts. Taking shortcuts is the leading cause of workplace injury. It’s a huge safety risk to use scaffolding as a ladder or one tool in place of another for a specific job. Using tools the right way greatly reduces the chance of workplace injury.
- Keep Emergency Exits Easily Accessible-In case of emergency, you’ll need quick, easy access to the exits.
- Report Unsafe Conditions To Your Supervisor-Your supervisor needs to be informed about any workplace safety hazards or risks.
- Use Mechanical Aids Whenever Possible-Instead of attempting to carry or lift something that’s really heavy, take the extra minute to use a wheelbarrow, conveyer belt, or forklift. Too many injury risks are involved with trying to lift something that weighs too much.
- Stay Sober-Around three percent of workplace fatalities occur due to alcohol and drugs.
- Reduce Workplace Stress-Stress can lead to depression and concentration problems. Common causes of workplace stress include long hours, heavy workload, job insecurity and conflicts with coworkers or managers. Take your concerns to your supervisor to see how they might help you.
- Wear The Correct Safety Equipment-If you are not wearing the correct safety equipment (earplugs, earmuffs, hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, or a full face mask) you may get injured.
If you are unfortunate to sustain a work injury, ALWAYS remember to take care of your health first. In New York State, you must go to a certified workers compensation doctor. A certified workers compensation doctor can provide proper documentation so that you can be treated at no cost and if you are physically unable to work, you can be compensated for your lost wages until you return to your job. Dr. Jeff J. Mollins (certified workers compensation doctor) works closely with a group of referred medical professionals (also certified) so that no matter what the injury is, it can be treated successfully in his Brooklyn office. So if you are injured on the job, call Dr. Mollins immediately.
Posted in: Work Injuries
