The expectation is simple: show up to work safe, go home safe. While employers are required to provide a safe work environment, keeping that environment safe takes more than company policies. It takes every employee doing their part.
If you want to protect yourself and the people around you, safety cannot be treated as someone else’s job. Here’s how you can take responsibility and contribute to a safer, stronger workplace.
You would not take unnecessary risks at home, so you should not take them at work either. Whether you are on a dock, in a warehouse, or at a job site, you are responsible for taking care of yourself and the people nearby. That includes following safety rules, listening to instructions, and completing required training. The actions you take can protect more than just yourself.
You are not expected to know it all. Your employer provides tools to help you stay safe such as personal protective equipment, signs and labels, training documents, and other resources. It is your job to use them. Follow instructions. Wear the gear. Read the labels. Never remove or ignore anything put in place to protect your health and safety.
Safety is not something you learn once and forget. The conditions you work in can change. The tools you use might change. Your understanding should grow along with those changes. Take every opportunity to attend training, participate in emergency drills, and stay updated on company policies. If you ever feel unprepared or unsure about a task, speak up before you do it.
You are often the first person to notice when something is not right. If you see a hazard or unsafe behavior, let others know. Talk to your supervisor. Suggest a better way. You do not need to wait for an injury to happen. Taking action early can protect lives and improve your work environment.
The more often you do something risky without getting hurt, the more comfortable you become with the risk. That mindset can lead to disaster. If you find yourself thinking, “I have done this a hundred times and nothing happened,” that is a sign your risk tolerance is climbing. Keep your risk level low by always following safe practices, even when shortcuts might seem easier.
Workplace safety is not just good practice; it is a legal requirement. OSHA regulations apply to both employers and employees. The law says you must follow all safety standards related to your work. It is your right to have a safe workplace, and it is also your responsibility to help maintain it.
Safe work environments do not happen on their own. They are built by people who make safety a habit. When employees take ownership of their responsibilities, safety becomes more than a policy, it becomes part of the culture. Working safely is not optional. It is how we protect ourselves and each other.
Do you want to learn more about safety? Log on to AEU Academy for interactive courses designed to help your team stay safe. Courses are focused on shipyard safety, marine cargo handling safety, leadership development, and much more. Head to AEU Academy, register for account, and start learning today!