Arizona Workplace Safety Tips

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Nowhere is this quote more relevant than in the realm of workers’ compensation. While workers’ compensation is a necessary part of modern employment, the process of being properly compensated for an injury can be long and complicated. Therefore, in order to avoid the workers’ compensation process altogether, employers and employees should adhere to the following safety practices.

• Use Proper Posture – Whether working at a desk or on your feet, it’s important to use proper posture. If at a desk, be sure to keep your shoulders in line with your hips, and if you have a job that requires standing and picking items up, always bends at the knees with your back straight.

• Stay Aware – Stay aware of the specific hazards of your job. After identifying the risks, avoid them to the extent that it is possible to do so. While many jobs are dangerous, there are always ways to minimize the danger.

• Take Breaks – It’s important to not overwork yourself, particularly if your job involves the use of dangerous equipment. By taking regular breaks, you keep your body fresh and your brain alert, minimizing potential danger.

• Report Safety Hazards – Inform your boss of any safety risks or workplace hazards that you observe. By doing so, you not only protect yourself, but you shield your coworkers from potential injuries.

• Use Equipment Properly – When using work equipment, don’t take shortcuts. Engaging in this type of behavior is almost guaranteed to result in an injury. Use equipment in the manner it was designed to be used!

• Maintain Sobriety – Every year, multiple workplace injuries and deaths occur due to the use of alcohol and drugs by employees. Even a single lunchtime drink can significantly impair an employee’s ability to identify and avoid workplace hazards.

• Make Sure Emergency Exits Are Accessible – It’s imperative that all workplaces give employees easy access to emergency exits. While this is primarily the responsibility of the employer, employees who notice blocked exits should immediately bring this to the attention of a supervisor.

• Utilize Proper Safety Equipment – Safety equipment exists to prevent injuries. Therefore, there is no excuse for not using it. Safety equipment typically includes items like safety goggles, earplugs, and gloves.

• Reduce Stress – Stress can affect concentration, which in turn can lead to workplace injuries. While there are a number of causes of stress, there are also a number of ways that employees can reduce stress. Reduce your stress, and you reduce the chance of injury!

Arizona Worker’s Compensation Attorneys

Workplace injuries can be devastating, both physically and financially, so employers and employees should always seek out ways to make the workplace safer. However, if you or a loved one have been injured on the job, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced Arizona worker’s compensation attorney as soon as possible, as you may be entitled to compensation. For a free consultation, please contact Arizona Injury Law Group, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, at 602-346-9009.