You can’t always prevent bad things from happening to people. So when it comes to your personal safety and the safety of those around you, take time to think about the consequences—both positive and negative—of your actions and your choices. Here are some examples of actions you can take and hazards you can control, to make your corner of the world safer.
Control general workplace hazards. The three leading causes of work-related injuries are: overexertion; slips, trips, and falls; and contact with objects and equipment. Use proper lifting techniques, practice good housekeeping, and stay aware of your surroundings. You have a lot of control over these hazards.
Control fall hazards. This year, the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction runs from May 6 to May 10. It’s a good opportunity to review—and control—fall hazards on the jobsite. For more information, visit OSHA's website.
Know when to run, when to hide, and when to fight. Data show that workplace assaults caused over 500 fatalities in 2022. That’s a high number, for sure, but take into consideration that there are 131 million workers in the U.S., so your chances of being killed during an assault at work are low—roughly one in 262,000. Unfortunately, those chances aren’t zero, and these situations can be deadly. It’s a good idea to have an action plan in place in case there’s violence at work. First, pay attention. Notice if a co-worker starts to talk about violence or extreme anger. Be aware of strangers who are trying to access the jobsite. If you see something suspicious, say something to your supervisor or local police. Have an exit plan. Make it a habit to identify exits whenever you enter a new area. In the unlikely event that you find yourself responding to a violent attack in a crowded environment, you improve your chances of survival if you:
- Run. Don’t be a target. Move away from the area of attack as fast as you can.
- Hide. If you can’t move away from danger, hide from it.
- Fight. If you’re unable to escape or hide from an attack, be prepared to fight for your life. Use whatever you have at hand as a weapon, a hammer, a 2 x 4, or a fire extinguisher. Your goal is survival.
If you own a firearm, practice responsible firearm safety. Good safety practices include: Securing weapons (unloaded) in a safe or with a trigger or cable lock. Storing ammunition in a locked location separate from the weapons. And teaching family members about firearm safety. These practices are critical in households with children and teens, as well as in households where they visit.