Congratulations on your promotion to supervisor! While this is an exciting milestone in your career, it also comes with significant responsibilities. As a supervisor, you play a critical role in ensuring the safety of your team. With 5,333 workers losing their lives to work-related injuries in the U.S. in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, your leadership in safety can save lives and prevent injuries. Here are seven essential safety tips to set you up for success in your new role.
Understanding the company’s safety procedures is fundamental. Pay special attention to processes for high-hazard tasks, such as working at heights or on energized equipment. For instance, falls accounted for approximately 400 workplace fatalities in 2019, while electrocutions led to over 150 deaths. Being well-versed in these protocols ensures that you can guide your team safely and stay within project timelines and budgets.
Fostering a sense of belonging and open communication is crucial. A morning safety huddle is an excellent opportunity to:
Keep these huddles brief (7-10 minutes) and focused on promoting safety and collaboration.
Arrive early to inspect the work area for hazards and determine the best ways to control them. Verify that team members are trained for their assigned tasks. If assigning a task to an inexperienced worker, ensure supervision by a safety-conscious colleague. Review safety procedures, inspect tools and equipment, and tag out any damaged items to prevent accidental use.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical line of defense against workplace hazards. Make sure PPE is readily available and teach your team how to:
Reinforce the importance of using PPE consistently to protect against injuries.
Encourage your team to call a timeout if they identify a safety risk or are uncertain about how to proceed safely. By empowering employees to pause work, you create a culture where safety is prioritized over productivity.
Take all safety concerns seriously, no matter how minor they may seem. Promptly report injuries and ensure appropriate first aid treatment. If you are the designated first aid provider, keep your training up-to-date. Addressing concerns quickly reinforces your commitment to safety and builds trust with your team.
Frequent inspections of the work area are essential to:
Unsafe conditions may include defective equipment, unprotected floor openings, or inadequate ventilation. Unsafe acts could involve operating equipment without training, bypassing safety devices, or failing to use PPE. Recognizing and addressing these issues proactively prevents accidents and fosters a safer work environment.
Being a new supervisor comes with challenges, but your leadership can significantly impact workplace safety. By implementing these seven safety tips, you’ll set the foundation for a safer, more productive work environment. Remember, praise in public and address issues privately to maintain morale and respect. For further insights on leadership and safety, explore resources from The W. Edwards Deming Institute.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov
Washington State Hospital Association. (n.d.). Safety Huddle Toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.wsha.org
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