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Have you ever had a situation at work that seemed unsafe, but weren't sure what to do? Or maybe you wonder how you'd react to a safety issue?

Two caution signs on either side of a blue pail.Photo by Galen Crout on Unsplash

You probably completed health and safety training of some kind when you started your job, but you'll likely encounter new situations. It's okay to feel uncertain at first.

Your employer is accountable for workers' safety. You, the worker, are responsible for ensuring you're working safely and reporting issues you find. Having a simple process to follow can help you navigate an unsafe situation with confidence using your problem-solving skills.

Use the 4-step SLAM technique to help you solve workplace safety issues. It also helps to look at real-life situations where workers encountered a safety issue and what you can learn from their experience.

1. Stop and think

Workplace injuries often happen when people are rushing, tired, or distracted. In the flow of work, you might skip steps or do things incorrectly, leading to an incident.

Before performing a task, ask yourself:

  • Have you been trained to do the task safely?

  • Do you have the right tools and equipment?

  • What's the safest way to proceed?

A yellow safety glove on a metal pole.Photo by Gary Bendig on Unsplash

True story

Geoff works in a hardware store. The store is busy and he's hurrying to put away a heavy box of plumbing parts and continue helping customers. He gets on a step ladder and lifts the box over his head to place it on the shelf. He feels a sudden pain in his back and shoulder. He shakes it off and continues working. The next day Geoff is in a lot of pain and has to take the day off.

Quiz

What could Geoff have done to prevent hurting himself? Select all that apply:

Did you know?

New workers are 3 times more likely to have a workplace injury than those with a year or more experience.

As a worker, you must immediately report an injury or safety incident to your supervisor. Check your local workplace safety insurance board website to learn more about your responsibilities as a worker.

2. Look for hazards

When you enter a workspace or you're about to start a task, scan the area for potential hazards. Look at the environment, tools, and equipment for things that could cause injury or health risks.

The words 'watch step' painted on concrete steps.Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

The types of hazards you might find at work are:

  • Chemical (fluids, gases, asbestos, pesticides)

  • Ergonomic (manual labor, tools, workstation)

  • Health (biological, viruses, mold)

  • Physical (temperature, air quality)

  • Psychosocial (stress, bullying, workplace violence)

  • Workplace (vehicles, machinery, navigating the site)

Your employer is legally obliged to provide health and safety training such as WHMIS before you start working.

Your workplace's health and safety committee is responsible for regular inspections.

You can do your part by identifying and reporting hazards.

This Workplace Inspection Checklist from Workplace Safety and Prevention Services shows what to look for in Ontario, Canada. You can check your country's or region's workplace safety standards if you work elsewhere.

If you're unsure how to do a task safely, ask!

Did you know?

The top 5 types of workplace injuries are:

1. Slips, trips, and falls

2. Repetitive strain and over-exertion

3. Being struck by or caught in moving machinery

4. Vehicle-related accidents

5. Fire and explosion-related injuries

3. Analyze the risks

Once you've identified a safety risk, consider your options.

  • Do you have the knowledge, training, skills, and tools to do the task safely?

  • Is everyone protected? (you, your coworkers, customers)

  • What are your options? (what's the proper procedure?)

  • Where can you get help? (supervisor, co-workers)

An image of a security camera painted on a wall.Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash

True story

Anna-Lea works at a pet boarding facility. She usually works with cats and has never worked with birds. One day, Anna-Lea's co-worker Daniela asks her to help move a cockatiel into a new cage. Anna-Lea tries to get the bird to perch on her forearm when it bites her ear, causing pain and bleeding.

Quiz

What could Anna-Lea have done to reduce the risk of being hurt?

Did you know?

In most regions, workers have the right to refuse unsafe work. See Employment and Social Development Canada or the U.S. Department of Labor for more information.

4. Manage the situation

Stop work until a solution is found. No job is worth jeopardizing your well-being!

Discuss solutions with your supervisor and coworkers.

Work as a team to contain the situation and ensure everyone's safety.

A flight attendant gestures to the emergency exits on an airplane.

True story

Iris works as a personal shopper in a grocery store. While collecting items for an order, her cart knocks over a display case full of honey jars. Honey and broken glass are spread all over the aisle floor. As luck would have it, the cleaning person left for the day.

Iris's coworker Ben brings some rags. Iris realizes the rags won't protect their hands from broken glass. She blocks the aisle with her cart and gets a mop, dustpan, bucket, gloves, and caution signs. Iris and Ben place the signs around the spill until they finish cleaning up.

Quiz

Of the actions Ben and Iris took, which were the most helpful in managing the situation?

Take Action

Be a safety champion at work using the SLAM problem-solving method:

  1. Stop and think

  2. Look for hazards

  3. Analyze the risks

  4. Manage the situation

An animation of a worker wearing a construction uniform and ear protection. He puts on a hard hat.

Take your problem-solving skills to the next level:

License:

This Byte has been authored by

LM

Lisa Marsan

Learning Specialist

English

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