10 OSHA safety tips to share with your team

Safety should always come first in the workplace, and these OSHA safety tips are here to guide you. In this article, we’ll cover essential practices that can help you and your team prevent accidents and injuries so that everyone returns home safe and sound. 

Whether you're new to safety protocols or looking to refresh your knowledge, these safety reminders for employees will empower you to create a safer work environment for all. 

What is the OSHA standard for safety?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set standards to promote safe working conditions across different industries. These standards cover everything from workplace hazards and equipment safety to employee training and personal protective equipment. 

By issuing clear policies and requirements, OSHA aims to protect workers from potential risks, reduce accidents, and promote a culture of safety. When proper OSHA safety standards are set in place, your workplace can be a safer environment for everyone. 

OSHA safety tip #1 - Wear your personal protective equipment (PPE)

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed to keep you and your team safe in the workplace. This essential gear includes gloves, helmets, safety glasses, safety harnesses, and respiratory equipment which help protect workers from various risks and hazards that can lead to injuries. 

By making it a priority to wear PPE, you safeguard your team’s well-being and give another layer of defense against workplace hazards. Remember, a few extra seconds to gear up can prevent serious accidents and keep everyone safe.

Stay compliant and discover effective OSHA safety tips with SC Training now. Sign up for free.

OSHA safety tip #2 - Report work hazards immediately

Reporting work hazards immediately is a vital step in maintaining a safe workplace for everyone. Whether there’s a slippery floor, exposed wiring, or any other potential danger, remind your team to inform their supervisor or safety officer to prevent accidents and injuries. 

By speaking up, they not only protect themselves but also help create a safer environment for their coworkers. Let them know that a proactive approach to safety allows everyone to work with peace of mind.

OSHA safety tip #3 - Keep your team informed about chemical safety

It's important to keep your team updated on chemical safety to reduce risks and create a safe workplace. This means educating them on the chemicals they encounter, including their hazards and safe handling practices. 

Regular training sessions and easy access to safety data sheets (SDS) can help employees understand how to protect themselves and respond in case of an emergency. 

SC Training (formerly EdApp)’s bite-sized courses make it easy to deliver appropriate training. Explore the course library, which includes editable chemical safety courses and OSHA general industry training, all easily accessible through mobile.

By prioritizing these safety training programs and OSHA general industry training, you can create a more informed workforce that can confidently and safely navigate their tasks.

OSHA safety tip #4 - Use equipment properly

Another important tip in our OSHA safety topics is promoting the proper use of equipment among your team. When everyone is trained to understand how to operate tools and machines correctly, it reduces the likelihood of accidents and enforces a sense of accountability. 

Encourage open discussions about equipment usage, give ongoing training, and remind your team that safety is a shared responsibility. 

OSHA safety tip #5 - Conduct regular safety training

Regular safety training is essential for keeping your team informed and prepared for any situation that may arise in the workplace. By encouraging frequent training sessions, you help make sure that everyone understands safety protocols, recognizes hazards, and knows how to respond effectively in emergencies. 

Luckily, SC Training is a microlearning-focused platform that offers courses your team can easily accomplish in minutes. Plus, with this platform's mobile-first approach, they can easily access the courses on their smartphone anytime and anywhere.

OSHA safety tip #6 - Follow safety protocols

To maintain a secure and productive work environment, you need to encourage your team to follow safety protocols at all times. When they adhere to established guidelines, they play a crucial role in minimizing risks and preventing OSHA violations.

Remind your colleagues that these protocols are designed not just for compliance, but for their protection and well-being. When everyone commits to following safety protocols, you create a culture of responsibility and care that benefits the entire team.

OSHA safety tip #7 - Know the evacuation plan

Next on our list of OSHA safety tips is understanding the evacuation plan. This is essential for workplace safety and it’s important for everyone to take it seriously. Motivate your team to familiarize themselves with the building’s layout, including all exit routes and designated assembly points. 

Regularly reviewing and practicing the evacuation procedures will help make sure they feel confident and ready for emergencies. An informed team can respond quickly and safely, reducing risks and safeguarding everyone in the workplace.

OSHA safety tip #8 - Implement fall protection 

Encouraging your team to follow fall protection protocols is crucial for creating a safe workplace, especially in roles involving heights. This includes utilizing safety harnesses, installing guardrails, and using proper ladders to minimize the risk of falls. 

Prioritize fall protection and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety so that your workers can perform their tasks without unnecessary risks.

OSHA safety tip #9 - Use machine guards

Machine guards are specifically designed to prevent injuries from moving parts and other hazards. Emphasize the importance of using machine guards consistently, as they play a vital role in safeguarding their well-being while working.

Machine safety must be a priority so that employees can operate equipment confidently and efficiently at all times. This should be included in your OSHA safety topics for meetings so that your whole team is aware of how to keep themselves safe while using machines at work. 

OSHA safety tip #10 - Implement lockout procedures

Secure equipment and prevent accidental machine start-ups during maintenance or repair by implementing lockout procedures. Having lockout systems in place can help keep your team safe when working with hazardous machinery.

Your colleagues should keep these practices in mind, as they significantly reduce the risk of injuries. When lockout procedures are followed, your team creates a safer workplace allowing everyone to focus on their tasks without worries.

Protect your team with effective OSHA safety courses by SC Training

Choose SC Training for your OSHA safety training needs and empower your team to work safely and confidently. Its comprehensive courses cover essential safety protocols, ensuring that every employee understands the best practices for preventing accidents. 

With its interactive courses and gamification features, your team will not only learn valuable work safety tips but also foster a culture of safety within your organization. Encourage your team to work together to create a safer workplace for everyone.

Recommended OSHA safety courses

• OSHA for Workers (US) by SC Training

This course covers the basic standards mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), from inspections to workers' rights. 

• General Safety and Health Provisions (US) by SC Training 

This course focuses on the safety and health policies established by OSHA to create a safer workplace for workers on construction sites. 

• Hazard Communication in Construction (US) by SC Training 

Since toxic chemicals are common in the construction industry, this course focuses on teaching workers how to protect themselves in case of exposure. 

• Fall Prevention (US) by SC Training

The most common workplace injury and fatality is rooted in falls. And so, this course equips your team with how to safely use ladders and properly go to rooftops and scaffoldings. 

• Head Protection (US) by SC Training

This course centers on the importance of wearing head protection equipment so workers can prevent traumatic brain injuries. 

• Machine Guarding (US) by SC Training

This machine guarding course can help your workers know how to safely use machines to prevent injuries that can lead to amputations and even death. 

• Ladder Safety (US) by SC Training

Safely using ladders is important to prevent workplace injuries and deaths. In this course, your team will know pre-climbing guidelines to identify whether a ladder is safe to be used. 

Take the first step towards a safer workplace with SC Training’s expert safety courses. Sign up today.