Introduction

“So there’ll always be safety procedures. They’re not really ridiculous, but not having them would be. No matter what job you work in, it pays to be alert when it comes to health and safety.  Some jobs are obviously more dangerous than others, but accidents can happen in any type of workplace.  The best policy is always to prevent an accident occurring in the first place rather than trying to deal with the consequences afterwards.
As an employee, what can you do to stay safe?

Talk to your employer

Discuss any concerns you might have in relation to safety, health and welfare.  If you have never seen it, ask your employer for a copy of the company safety statement A Company safety statement is the basis for the management of safety and health in the workplace and sets out an action programme for safeguarding employees at work.

Be alert

Be continuously on the lookout for anything that could lead to an accident.  Be aware of the behaviour of your colleagues too.  An accident caused by a co-worker could easily impact on others so if someone is behaving recklessly, bring it to the attention of your employer.

Don’t take risks

If you feel that something is unsafe, then stand back and think about the best way to deal with it. If you can’t deal with it tell your employer.  Workplace accidents are often the result of human behaviour, i.e. cutting corners, rushing a job, taking chances…..think about the consequences of a bad accident and make sure you do everything you can to avoid it.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the responsibility for worker safety, health and welfare rests solely with your employer.  Under the law, employers certainly have a wide range of duties….but so do employees, including those that have part-time or temporary roles, regardless of any employment or contractual arrangement they may have.

All employees must:

• Comply with relevant laws and protect their own safety and health, as well as the safety and health of anyone who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
• Ensure that they are not under the influence of any intoxicant to the extent that they could be a danger to themselves or others while at work.
• Cooperate with their employer with regard to safety, health and welfare at work.
• Not engage in any improper conduct that could endanger their own safety or health or that of anyone else.
• Participate in safety and health training offered by their employer.
• Make proper use of all machinery, tools, substances, etc. and of all Personal Protective Equipment provided for use at work.
• Report any defects in the place of work, equipment, etc. which might endanger safety and health.

You will find a wide range of useful guidance and information throughout this website.  For example, did you know that….
…..accidents involving workplace vehicles cause the greatest number of workplace deaths?
.….slips, trips and falls account for about one fifth of all workplace accidents?
…..approximately one third of all reported accidents are in relation to manual handling injuries?
Take some time to find out more about how to contribute to a safe and healthy workplace.  Be aware of your responsibilities and do everything you can to meet them.  If you feel that your employer is not meeting his/her duties with regard to creating and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace, you have the option of making a complaint to our Workplace Contact Unit by phoning 1890 289 389 or emailing wcu@hsa.ie.
For any further information please phone 1890 289 389.”
Courtesy Of The Health & Safety Authority.