Workplace Safety Rules
Sample
Note: Customize before distributing.
Your safety is the constant concern of this organization. Every precaution
has been taken to provide a safe workplace. [Title of the person in charge
of safety] makes regular inspections and holds regular safety meetings. The
[title] also meets with management to plan and implement further
improvements in our safety program. Common sense and personal interest in
safety are still the greatest guarantees of your safety at work, on the
road, and at home. We take your safety seriously and any willful or habitual
violation of safety rules will be considered cause for dismissal. Your
[organization] is sincerely concerned for the health and well being of each
member of the employee and volunteer staff.
The cooperation of every staff member is necessary to make this organization
a safe place in which to work. Help yourself and others by immediately
reporting unsafe conditions or hazards to your supervisor or to a member of
the safety committee. Give earnest consideration to the rules of safety
presented to you by posters, signs, discussions with your supervisor, posted
department rules, and regulations published in the handbook. Begin right by
always thinking of safety as you perform your job, or as you learn a new
one.
Accident reporting
Any injury at work — no matter how small — must be reported immediately to your
supervisor and receive first-aid attention. Serious conditions often arise
from small injuries if they are not cared for at once.
Safety rules and guidelines
To ensure your safety, and that of your co-workers, please observe and obey
the rules and guidelines appropriate to the general populace or specific
jobs:
- Observe and practice the safety procedures established for the job.
- In case of sickness or injury, no matter how slight, report at once to your
supervisor. In no case should an employee or volunteer treat his own or
someone else's injuries or attempt to remove foreign particles from someone
else's eye.
- In case of injury resulting in possible fracture to legs, back, or neck, or
any accident resulting in an unconscious condition, or a severe head injury,
the employee is not to be moved until medical attention has been given by
authorized personnel.
- Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry around machinery. It may catch on
moving equipment and cause a serious injury.
- Never distract the attention of another person, as you might cause him or
her to be injured. If necessary to get the attention of another person, wait
until it can be done safely.
- Where required, you must wear protective equipment, such as goggles, safety
glasses, masks, gloves, hair nets, etc.
- Safety equipment such as restraints, pull backs, and two-hand devices are
designed for your protection. Be sure such equipment is adjusted for you.
- Pile materials, skids, bins, boxes, or other equipment so as not to block
aisles, exits, fire fighting equipment, electric lighting or power panel,
valves, etc. Fire Doors and Aisles Must be Kept Clear!
- Keep your work area clean.
- Use compressed air only for the job for which it is intended. Do not clean
your clothes with it and do not fool around with it.
- Observe ?no smoking? regulations.
- Shut down your machine before cleaning, repairing, or leaving it.
- Tow motors and lift trucks will be operated only by authorized personnel.
Walk-type lift trucks will not be ridden and no one but the operator is
permitted to ride the tow motors.
- Do not exceed a speed that is safe for existing conditions.
- Running and horseplay are strictly forbidden.
- Do not block access to fire extinguishers.
- Do not tamper with electric controls or switches.
- Do not operate machines or equipment until you have been properly
instructed and authorized to do so by your supervisor.
- Do not engage in such other practices as may be inconsistent with ordinary
and reasonable common sense safety rules.
- Report any unsafe condition or acts to your supervisor.
- Help to prevent accidents.
- Use designated passages when moving from one place to another; never take
hazardous shortcuts (i.e., between moving equipment or across roadways).
- Lift properly — use your legs, not your back. For heavier loads, ask for
assistance.
- Do not adjust, clean, or oil moving machinery.
- Keep machine guards in their intended place.
- Do not throw objects.
- Clean up spilled liquid, oil, or grease immediately.
- Wear hard-sole shoes and appropriate clothing (i.e., shorts or mini dresses
are not permitted).
- Place trash and paper in proper containers and not in cans provided for
cigarette butts.
Safety checklist
It is every paid and volunteer staff member's responsibility to be on the
lookout for possible hazards. If you spot one of the conditions on the
following list — or any other possible hazardous situation — report it to your
supervisor immediately.
- Slippery floors and walkways
- Tripping hazards, such as hose links, piping, etc.
- Missing (or inoperative) entrance and exit signs and lighting
- Poorly lighted stairs
- Loose handrails or guard rails
- Loose or broken windows
- Dangerously piled supplies or equipment
- Open or broken windows
- Unlocked doors and gates
- Electrical equipment left operating
- Open doors on electrical panels
- Leaks of steam, water, oil, other liquids.
- Blocked aisles
- Blocked fire extinguishers, hose sprinkler heads
- Blocked fire doors
- Evidence of any equipment running hot or overheating
- Oily rags
- Evidence of smoking in non-smoking areas
- Roof leaks
- Directional or warning signs not in place
- Safety devices not operating properly
- Machine, power transmission, or drive guards missing, damaged, loose, or
improperly placed
Safety equipment
Your supervisor will see that you receive the protective clothing and
equipment required for your job. Use them as instructed and take care of
them. You will be charged for loss or destruction of these articles only
when it occurs through negligence.
Safety shoes
The organization will designate which jobs and work areas require safety
shoes. Under no circumstances will an employee or volunteer be permitted to
work in sandals or open-toe shoes. A reliable safety shoe vendor will visit
the organization periodically. Notices will be posted prior to the visits.
Safety glasses
The wearing of safety glasses by all shop employees and volunteers is
mandatory. Strict adherence to this policy can significantly reduce the risk
of eye injuries.
Seat belts
All paid and volunteer staff must use seat belts and shoulder restraints (if
available) whenever they operate a vehicle on organization business. The
driver is responsible for seeing that all passengers in front and rear seats
are buckled up.
Good housekeeping
Your work location should be kept clean and orderly. Keep machines and other
objects (merchandise, boxes, shopping carts, etc.) out of the center of
aisles. Clean up spills, drips, and leaks immediately to avoid slips and
falls. Place trash in the proper receptacles. Stock shelves carefully so
merchandise will not fall over upon contact.
