Occupational Accidents, Incidents & Illness

 How to Stay Safe at Work: Occupational Health & Safety Tips

You don’t want an occupational accident to be the most memorable part of your day, but it happens to people every day. At the end of the day, you want to be able to go home and relax without worrying about how you’re going to pay your medical bills or how you’re going to replace your lost wages from missing work because of illness or injury. Here are some safety tips from Occupational Health & Safety specialists that will help keep you safe at work:

General tips

Safety should always be a primary concern, regardless of industry. The oil and gas industry is no different—the risks are just different. Whether you work in an office or on site, it’s vital that you know and understand your duties as an employee and worker when it comes to occupational health and safety. Employers can provide training programs that help employees stay informed and safe, but they also need to make sure they’re working with knowledgeable employees who can pass along critical information. For example, if you’re working near machinery that could cause injury if not handled properly, you should know what to do if something goes wrong.

Avoid dangerous areas

Make sure you and your coworkers are aware of any potentially dangerous areas, such as those with a slippery floor, fumes or equipment that is in disrepair. It’s also important to check for fire exits and fire extinguishers if they’re necessary. When you know where everything is, it makes working on site much safer. If you have any questions about safety, don’t hesitate to ask a supervisor or someone more experienced than yourself. They can help point out potential hazards and ways to avoid them. Title: How To Avoid Dangerous Situations At Work: 5 Ways To Keep Yourself Safe At The Office Or On-Site

Wear the right gear

In some cases, workplace accidents are unavoidable. But even when you can't avoid a site accident entirely, you can often limit its impact by following safety procedures and knowing what to do in case of an emergency. To protect yourself as much as possible from injuries and illness, follow safety rules like wearing proper gear and protective equipment. Even if your company has its own set of safety rules, always remember that your well-being is ultimately in your hands—so never be afraid to double-check or ask questions. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right—and it's better safe than sorry!

Document accidents and injuries

Whenever an occupational accident or injury occurs, it’s important that you document it. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires employers to report such accidents, injuries and illnesses. Follow up with a phone call to OSHA, your insurance carrier or employer’s safety department. Most importantly, take care of yourself and make sure you get proper medical attention if necessary. It’s also important to inform co-workers about any occupational health issues so they can be extra vigilant when working around you. Title: How to Stay Safe at Work: Occupational Health & Safety Tips

Call in backup

In many cases, a potential occupational illness or injury can be dealt with on a day-to-day basis. If you're concerned that something might be wrong, however, it's important to get your supervisor involved. Oftentimes, their expertise will help ensure that you are safe and in good health throughout your workday. It's also important to note that some occupational illnesses have longer incubation periods than others, so if you think there is a chance you may have contracted an occupational illness, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Title: How To Spot An Occupational Illness Before It Becomes A Problem

Follow safety procedures

It’s impossible to predict when an emergency may occur on site. Take safety precautions seriously and make sure your co-workers do too. Make sure you and your coworkers understand each stage of a procedure and follow it according to guidelines outlined in your company’s SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). Your supervisor will make certain that you have proper training for each task, but it is ultimately your responsibility to keep yourself safe and follow company procedures when working with machinery or chemicals. Be aware of any OSHA regulations in place where you work, including possible inspections from OSHA representatives. When operating machinery, always take appropriate safety precautions as stat