Zero Injuries in the Workplace Toolbox Talk

Zero Injuries in the Workplace Safety Talk

As a whole, all businesses want to avoid injuries at all costs. Many places have a set goal of how long they strive to go without any crew members getting hurt. In order for a company to achieve its goal of no injuries occurring, all crew members have to pay attention to safety. In this toolbox talk, we'll discuss how attitude, planning, and following safety best practices can make a "zero injury workplace" a reality.

Maintain a Positive Attitude for Safety

If you have a positive attitude, things are more likely to pan out the way you want them to. Negativity speaks louder than words. If you are not happy that you have to try for a zero injury year, then most likely something will occur to not let it happen. That is because you are not going to be trying your hardest to make it happen.

If you feel that it isn’t worth your time to put in the needed effort, you aren’t going to. It is a good idea for your work, and yourself, that you try to change your mindset. Try to look at things from a positive outlook and do what you can to work safely.

Safe Work Environments are the Result of Workers

As a crew member of a construction site, you are the one who has to take the necessary steps to have a safe environment. How you plan out your daily tasks and jobs influences workplace safety. It is your job to follow the safety guidelines that have been given to you.

When an accident, injury, or unfortunate situation occurs at your work, that typically means certain rules were not followed. It has been estimated that 80% of the time, the worker is to blame for the situation in some way. Each individual worker has the ability to make a difference in the safety of the workplace.

How to Avoid Work-Related Injuries

To avoid work-related injuries and help your company accomplish a zero injury span, there are some things you can do. Both the company and you as the individual. Some examples of things to do are explained below.

Don't Take Shortcuts

Shortcuts are one of the top unsafe acts on a jobsite. When you take a shortcut, you are skipping steps that you are supposed to be doing. These steps being left out will leave room for error. You are usually in more of a hurry when you are trying to take shortcuts. When you start to do this, you are not going to be as safe as you should be.

Wear PPE

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is a necessary part of working construction. One thing to remember is that PPE is not your sole piece of protection when you are working. This is more of a backup option for you.

You should always be wearing it when the job requires it. These items can help to protect you and avoid an injury. Employees need training on the correct ways of wearing it as well. Some examples of protective equipment are:

• Earplugs

• Face shield

• Safety vest

• Eye protection

• Work boots

• Hard hat

• Work gloves

• Rubber gloves

• Safety harness

• Respirator

• Coveralls

Have Adequate Staff

Managers and supervisors need to adequately go over the job and what the needs will be. When there are too many workers in one area, it is a hazard. People will be in the way while moving equipment tries to come through. They will be tripping over things and falling over one another.

Not enough workers can be a hazard also. Jobs are planned out to know exactly how many people are needed. If you have one person trying to overdo themselves they are more likely to get injured.

Keep Your Worksite Clean

Good housekeeping is critical on a construction site. Equipment, tools, and materials should always be put up and not left out. When this happens, there is more of a chance for workplace injuries. People will trip over tools and materials on the ground.

This also presents as a hazard to the heavy equipment that is driving through. Materials may not be seen on the ground and do damage to the equipment.

Training

Proper training and education for crew members is important. It can help you to point out hazardous conditions. If training about what to look for is not given, you won’t be able to make the necessary decisions needed for safety. Training is an important part of working safely on a construction site.

Types of Injuries That Can Occur on Construction Sites

There are many accidents that can happen on a construction site. These accidents can result in injuries and even fatalities. When running a business, you want to make sure that your staff is able to work in a safe environment.

That is why safety protocols and guidelines are in place. There are times that accidents will happen. If everyone will try their best to work safely, these instances can reduce. Some of the most common construction site accidents that can happen are:

• Falling from high distances

• Arm or leg getting broken

• Amputation due to damage to a limb

• Stitches due to a cut from tools or materials

• Electrocution

• Burn

• Getting hit by a falling object

• Getting caught between machinery

Setting a Goal is Good Motivation

When a company sets a goal of zero injuries for a set period of time, it can motivate the employees. This motivation is going to help the working environment be safer for all workers. When everyone is working together, you get better results.

Safety is something that only one of the employee abides by. Everyone needs to be in participation. There are employees who will not like the idea of having to put in the effort to reach this goal. It shouldn’t be any extra effort having to be put in. These are the steps that should be followed daily to ensure safety.