How employees can advocate for safe workplace practices

Long-standing employees can model safe behavior and show less experienced employees that there’s no shame in refusing to cut corners when it comes to safety. New employees may be dismissive of safety procedures because they have not yet seen the consequences of hazardous behavior. They might worry that they could be penalized for rejecting work that compromises their safety. Look to your most influential employees to normalize safety concerns and contribute to a positive and healthy culture.

Once you’ve identified the ambassadors within your organization, here are some tips that you can pass long to promote a culture of safety.

Read your company’s health and safety policy. It sounds obvious, but if you were to ask the person sitting next to you where the closest fire exit is, there’s a good chance they couldn’t give you the answer. The policy was created to bring clarity and give details for potentially unsafe scenarios.

Tell your coworkers what you’ve learned. Employees are more likely to remember critical safety information if they heard it from a peer, rather than a training session on their first day. You never know–asking a coworker, “Hey, did you know there’s an AED by the front door?” could end up saving someone’s life.

Always wear safety equipment. While everyone knows that they should wear safety equipment, it’s easy to put off safety concerns for the sake of convenience or speed. Don’t take any chances and remember that you need to put yourself first when it comes to your safety.

If you see something, say something. If you notice a potential hazard, like exposed wiring or water damage, immediately alert your supervisor or safety officer. The sooner that safety concerns are escalated, the easier it is to prevent accidental injuries.

Know your rights and responsibilities. The law defines scenarios in which you have the legal right to refuse work or reject unsafe working conditions. Understanding your legal rights will give you the confidence to disobey directives that jeopardize your personal safety.

Take advantage of your company’s health and safety initiatives. Stay updated on health screenings, flu shots, or other events your company organizes to promote good health.