Myths About Workplace Safety You Should Ignore

There are various things about safety in the workplace that employees tend to get wrong. Some of these are as a result of things the many myths that surround the whole topic.

We must remember, that since all workplaces are different, their safety procedures will differ as well. However, there are some basic things that fundamentally remain the same. No matter the type of job you’re doing, you and your employer should ensure that safety at the workplace is treated as a priority.

To ensure that such is the case, you need to actively disregard some of the myths that surround workplace safety. We’ll gladly help you to do that. All you have to do is keep reading this blog.

• There is the myth that employees have to comply with their employers at all times: You are expected to obey the rules and instructions of your employer, but only as long as they aren’t telling you to do anything that puts you in harm’s way. No job is so important that it comes before your health, safety or your life.

• There is the myth that nothing is going to happen to you while you’re at work: Just because you’re at work (possibly in an office) doesn’t mean that you’re out of harm’s way. There’s actually a possibility that you can get in an accident a work, especially if you don’t take the proper workplace safety precautions. Did you know that the Employment and Social Development Canada stated that “One in every 68 employed workers in 2010 was injured or harmed on the job and received worker’s compensation as a result”?

• There is the myth that workplace safety is the responsibility of the employer: It really isn’t, actually. Yes, we agree that your employer has an important part to play in the affairs of the workplace safety procedures. However, workers have an equally important part to play in those procedures as well. You have to continually operate safely while at work and if you ever see any unsafe conditions, hazardous equipment, or anything else that may concern your health or safety, you should report it.

• There is the myth that if you work in an office, you won’t get injured: Working in an office actually has its very own stresses that can affect your body and mind. There are actually various things that can be hazardous to your safety right there in the office. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention’s website states that “Office workers are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to suffer a disabling injury from a fall than non-office workers.”

• There is a myth that if you are young and healthy, you won’t experience a workplace injury: No matter how young, healthy or fit you are, you are not exempted from accidents. You have to continue to keep yourself safe by being generally careful, following safety procedures and empowering yourself with knowledge.

A safe work place is crucial and ensuring that you have the right safety procedures and policies for things such as working at heights, first aid CPR, confined space entry, as well as things like WHMIS-GHS can create a great work environment that is safe and productive. Since Advanced Consulting and Training Ltd.’s founding, their diverse team of certified health and safety professionals have taken great pride in their ability to deliver prompt, cost-effective and relevant workplace health and safety solutions. As a CPO approved, TSSA accredited, and WSIB approved provider, we look forward to discussing how ACT can help with your company’s safety requirements. Contact us today.