Risk & Business Magazine Branch Benefits Consultants Fall 2016 | Page 31
SAFETY SPOTLIGHT
Safety Spotlight
Independent Insurance Advisors
BY: BRANCH BENEFITS
CONSULTANTS
Avoiding Shortcuts & Workplace
Stress
TAKE CONTROL OF WORKPLACE
STRESS
ob stress is a very common health
complaint, ranking above financial
troubles and family problems,
according to the National Institute
of Occupational Safety and
Health. Many experience stress
due to heavy workloads, pressure to
perform and conflicts with co-workers.
TAKING SHORTCUTS IS A BAD IDEA AT
WORK
If you are in the habit of taking
safety shortcuts at work, it’s time
to stop. The potential dangers you
expose yourself and others to while
taking shortcuts can be deadly.
Though some daily stress is common,
excessive stress can contribute to
insomnia, anxiety, headache, depression,
short temper and stomach and back
problems. These symptoms can
eventually lead to more serious problems,
so try the following tips to help keep
your workplace stress under control:
•
Do not take an unsafe entrance
or exit into a jobsite or work area;
it may pose unseen hazards.
•
Wear the proper personal
protective equipment.
•
Use the right tools for the job, such
as scaffolds for work in high areas
or the appropriate power tool.
•
Instead of straining to reach,
get a ladder when something
is high overhead.
•
Using the buddy system to
move an awkward load will
help save your back.
•
Be aware of your surroundings at all
times, especially when moving a load.
•
Always maintain a safety-first
attitude and alert your supervisor
if you witness unsafe practices. +
J
•
Set realistic deadlines
and plan ahead.
•
Break larger tasks into
smaller, manageable steps.
•
•
Keep the end goal in mind.
•
Use all available resources
to assist you.
•
Take periodic breaks to clear
your head and de-stress.
•
Debrief from the day: talk about
how you’re feeling and possible
stress-relieving techniques
with someone close to you.
Search for alternative ways of doing
things, which may save you time.
The following rules are some of
your best safety tools for avoiding
accidents in the workplace.
DID YOU KNOW?
Stretching can relax your body, especially in the shoulders,
where a significant amount of tension is held. Taking time
throughout the day to stretch can help release this buildup. It
can also help you remove unwanted stress in your workplace.
FALL 2016
| 31