Take Five: Team Safety (Employees)

Introduction to team safety

Safety isn’t just the responsibility of the safety team. Being safe at work requires everyone’s commitment. Prioritizing safety means the whole team works together to ensure the workplace and work practices are free of recognized hazards.

How to think about team safety

Have you ever been in such a fixed routine on the job that you didn’t remember whether you performed a specific step in the process? That kind of distraction can easily result in a life-altering injury, given the right conditions. And it’s a good illustration of why it’s so important to work as a team to help each other stay focused at work.

Whether it’s taking a couple of minutes to review roles and responsibilities before getting started on a task, reminding a coworker to wear their personal protective equipment or getting someone out from under a suspended load, there’s a lot you can do to ensure a safe work environment for all.

What you can do to keep your team safe

• Review your risk assessment chart with your team to ensure that you understand task procedures, hazards have been identified and protective measures are in place.
• Perform pre-shift workplace inspections as a team. Look for any hazards that can be corrected prior to starting work (e.g., clear access to stairs, eyewash and shower stations, emergency exits, electrical disconnects and fire extinguishers, and ensure pedestrian walkways are unobstructed).
• Complete pre-shift equipment inspections and report any safety defects for repair.
• Work as a team to maintain housekeeping excellence. Housekeeping can go a long way toward reducing workplace hazards.

Key takeaways

• We are all responsible to each other for working safely and preventing hazards in the workplace.
• Reminding others to work safely helps maintain focus and reduce hazards.
• Work with your supervisor and team to ensure everyone is aware of job risks, procedural steps and the protective measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Take your safety responsibility seriously. Your family and coworkers depend on it.