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Every job is different. You might sit behind a computer screen for most of the day, or you could be out on a construction site helping put up a new office building. These days, many feel lucky just to have employment.
Because all jobs require different skill sets and people perform them in various locales, you can’t give the same safety advice for every job. However, there are some ways to stay safe regardless of your position.
Here are some safety tips that should serve you well, regardless of your job particulars.
Don’t Drive to Work Drowsy
OSHA says that more than 14 US workers die on the job each day. That’s a sobering statistic, but some of them never even get there. That is because they drive to work when they are still half asleep.
You should make sure:
- You sleep for several hours before going to work
- You don’t get behind the wheel if you feel like you could nod off
If you work from home, this is not an issue for you. However, even though more people than ever are doing home-based work these days, many still have to commute.
When you do, drink some coffee or have an energy drink before you start the car. Take a shower or splash some cold water on your face if you feel fatigued.
If you’re working a bunch of doubles in a row, consider at least taking public transportation instead of driving. You might ask a family member or acquaintance for a ride. If you don’t feel rested enough to drive, use some other means to get to work.
Don’t Let Anything Distract You While Driving
You should also not let anything distract you when you’re on your way to the office or job site. That might include:
- The satellite radio
- Your passengers
- Your smartphone
If you’re driving to work, don’t let anything distract you from the road ahead. Distracted driving kills many every year, and you must not become a statistic.
You might be trying to adjust the satellite radio station when you hit a car or pedestrian. Maybe you are trying to text or have a smartphone conversation. Perhaps you are talking with someone in the passenger’s seat or backseat, and they have your attention.
When you do any of these things, you can easily wreck your car. Don’t talk on your phone or text until you park and turn the vehicle off. You can speak to someone in the car, but keep your eyes firmly on the road while you do.
Keep Your Workspace Safe
When you get to work, make sure you keep your work area safe. That might be a desk, a designated assembly line spot, a space behind a cash register, or elsewhere.
No matter what you do or where exactly you work, you probably have your own space. This is where you spend your time and make your money.
Make sure you always keep it neat. Don’t leave things on the floor where your coworkers can trip over them.
Don’t leave space heaters plugged in when you go home for the day. Keep potentially dangerous chemicals in tightly closed containers when you are not using them.
Regardless of your job particulars, have an awareness of whatever is around you and what could endanger you or anyone else. Take all the necessary actions to keep yourself and your fellow workers safe.
Practice Stress Reduction Techniques
You can also practice some stress reduction techniques that should put you in a positive mental state. Those might include yoga, getting a massage, meditation, Tai Chi or another martial art, exercise, spending time with your family, reading, etc.
Different people relax in various ways. The point is that you need to unwind after a long workday, and it is not healthy if you let the stress get to you.
If you feel too much stress, you might not react well if there is an emergency. If anything goes wrong, and you are already on edge, you may not handle it as well as you otherwise would. You will perform better under pressure if you find a work-life balance.
You can do things like speaking to a supervisor or manager if you ever see anything wrong at work. You can follow proper protocols and avoid taking shortcuts.It’s always better when you do things the right way on the job and while traveling to and from work. Try to take pride in whatever you do.