December 19, 2017
10 General Workplace Safety Tips That Everyone Should Know
Let’s be honest, “workplace safety” can sound a little… boring. It brings up images of dusty binders and long, sleepy meetings. But here’s the reality: these “boring” rules are the only things standing between a normal Tuesday and a life-changing accident. Following general workplace safety tips isn’t just about pleasing a manager; it’s about protecting yourself and the people you work with. This is your no-nonsense guide to the top 10 safety rules that *everyone* needs to take seriously.
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings (Always!)
This is the golden rule! So many accidents happen because someone was in a rush, on their phone, or just not paying attention. Always be aware of what’s happening around you. Look out for wet floors, moving machinery (like forklifts), and be careful when rounding blind corners.
2. Keep Your Workspace Clean & Tidy
A messy workspace is a hazardous workspace. Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common workplace injuries, and they are almost 100% preventable.
- Keep walkways, aisles, and emergency exits clear of boxes or clutter.
- Clean up spills immediately with a “wet floor” sign.
- Don’t let cords or cables trail across walking paths.
3. Use Proper Lifting Techniques
“Lift with your legs, not your back” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s a critical piece of general workplace safety tips. Back injuries are painful, long-lasting, and incredibly common.
- Bend at your knees, not your waist.
- Keep the load close to your body.
- Never twist your body while lifting. Move your feet to turn.
- If something is too heavy, get help or use a tool (like a dolly or forklift).
4. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Correctly
PPE is your last line of defense. If your job requires it, wear it, and wear it correctly. This includes hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility vests, gloves, and proper footwear. “I’ll just be a second” is a famous last thought before an accident.
5. Know Your Emergency Exits & Plans
Don’t wait for a real fire to figure out where the exits are. Take two minutes to learn the primary and secondary escape routes from your work area. Know where the fire extinguishers and first-aid kits are located, and understand the company’s emergency action plan.
6. Report All Unsafe Conditions
See that frayed electrical cord? That wobbly handrail? That missing machine guard? Report it! Don’t just walk by and assume “someone else will handle it.” You could be preventing a serious injury. A strong safety culture relies on everyone speaking up.
7. Don’t Take Shortcuts
You’ve done the task a hundred times, so you skip a step or two to save time. This is one of the fastest ways to get hurt. Procedures and safety rules exist for a reason—they were often created *because* someone got injured in the past. Follow the rules, every single time.
8. Practice Good Ergonomics
This isn’t just for warehouse workers. Office workers are at huge risk for ergonomic injuries.
- Adjust your chair so your feet are flat on the floor.
- Position your monitor at eye level to avoid neck strain.
- Take frequent short breaks to stand up, stretch, and rest your eyes.
9. Never Operate Equipment You’re Not Trained For
“I’ve watched someone else do it” doesn’t count as training. Never use a forklift, a specialized machine, or even complex software unless you have been properly trained and authorized. It’s dangerous for you and everyone around you.
10. Stay Hydrated and Take Your Breaks
A fatigued, dehydrated, or overworked employee is an unsafe employee. Your brain is your most important safety tool. Taking your designated breaks, drinking water, and getting enough sleep are all critical parts of general workplace safety tips.
Download Your Free Safety Tips PDF
Want a handy checklist of these tips to post in the breakroom or share with your team? We’ve got just the thing! Download our free PDF packed with these essential general workplace safety tips.
Click here to download the FREE General Workplace Safety Tips PDF
Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Safety
What is the most important general workplace safety tip?
The most important tip is to be aware of your surroundings. This single habit of “situational awareness” helps you spot hazards like wet floors, moving equipment, or blocked exits *before* they can cause an accident.
Why is it important to report “near misses”?
A “near miss” is an incident that didn’t result in an injury, but easily could have. Reporting these is crucial because they reveal a problem in your system. Fixing the cause of a near miss today can prevent a serious, reportable injury tomorrow.
Who is responsible for workplace safety?
Everyone! While management is responsible for providing a safe environment, proper training, and PPE, each employee is responsible for following the rules, working safely, and reporting any hazards they see.
Editorial StaffAtlantic Training
The Atlantic Research Team is our in-house editorial staff. Content published under this name is a collaborative effort, written and reviewed by multiple safety and HR specialists to ensure all information is accurate, practical, and up to date.
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