Whether you sit at a desk in an office, drive a truck or work on a construction site in California, you may face hazards while on the job. However, there are many steps that you can take to minimize the risks that you face to your health and safety on a daily basis.
Inspect any tools that you use to perform a task
One of the easiest ways to minimize the chances of an injury is to ensure that you’re using equipment that is in good condition. This is true whether you’re trying to make a copy in the office or need to move thousands of pounds of dirt as part of a construction project. If you notice that an object is missing a part or is defective in any way, be sure to fix the problem as quickly as possible. In some cases, this may mean calling in an outside professional to make a repair.
Know and understand your company’s emergency response plan
While you can’t plan for an emergency situation, you can take steps to learn and understand what to do when such a scenario occurs. Ideally, you will know where emergency exits are located and who to contact if you need assistance. It is also critical that exits are not blocked by boxes or other debris.
Keep walkways free of hazards
If the floor is wet, take steps to eliminate the moisture as quickly as possible. At a minimum, you should put up cones or tape to warn people about the wet conditions. It is also important to make sure that floors and walkways are free of ripped carpet, cords or anything else that might cause a trip or fall hazard.
If you are injured because your employer has a lack of workplace safety standards in place, it may be possible to obtain compensation. An attorney may help you apply for benefits or answer questions about your case.