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Glass is really sharp and helmets can save your life and no job is worth losing an extremity, even a small one. You know all this. But here are a few facts and tips you might not be aware of. Handy paragraph headings included.
Know your rights. All of ’em. If you’re under 24 in Montana, you’re classified as a “young worker.” That means you get to expect certain treatment from your employer. It’s state law. Safety training, gear, a safe floor to walk on—these are just a few of your employer’s responsibilities. And you can hold them to it. In fact, they have to listen to you seriously if you think a situation at work is dangerous.
Why not ask questions? Hey, why not ask a few more? Has your boss ever told you to do something, without being totally clear about what it is you’re supposed to do? Did you do it anyway? Next time, ask questions first. I’ve never run this slicer-dicer before, can you show me how? Why is it so dark in here? What do I do if I dice my hand? Where’s my safety gear? If they say, Safety gear? Ha!, read the previous paragraph (and maybe look for a new job). And if all this asking annoys your boss, ask why it’s annoying him. The goal here is: don’t let a lack of information make your job dangerous. It’s not worth it.
Follow the rules. Especially the dumb ones. Okay, some rules are a pain. But, “Here, wear these goggles”? That’s pretty easy. So do it. Don’t know the safety rules? Ask someone. Find out where they’re posted (they are posted, right?). Then just follow them, every work hour, every workday. Safety rules aren’t just some anal guy’s weird little to-do list. Actually, they were written by people who genuinely want to keep you from getting hurt.
Get schooled on equipment. Your employer is required by law to give you training on any piece of equipment. But you might have to ask for it. So be honest. Don’t say you’ve operated a pneumatic post-pounder if you’ve only seen one being operated. Remember, you’re a “young worker.” No one’s going to blame you for not being fully trained. And look at it this way: when you’re done, that’s one more skill you can put on your résumé for your next job.
Wake up. Be alert. Unless you’re a complete jackass, workplace injuries are accidents. In other words, you don’t see them coming. But you can be alert. Think. Think about what you’re doing. With each task, remember what to watch for. Keep an eye out for your coworkers’ safety. If you see something dangerous, stop. Put everything on hold for a few minutes. Speak up. Get it corrected, and move on. |
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