It’s so easy to think that accidents and illnesses are something that ‘happen to other people’ and it’s not until something bad happens that we realise we’re really not quite as invincible as we think. As humans we’re hardy but not indestructible, and so it’s important to ensure we’re looking out for our health and safety and staying sensible. Here are a few safety tips to consider.
At Home
More accidents happen at home than anywhere else, which seems strange but it makes sense when you think about it. Aside from when you’re at work, you’re at home for most of the time. But unlike at work, there are no health and safety procedures in place or no one stopping you from doing silly things. Falling off chairs, cuts, burns, electric shocks and injuries from power tools are all things you could face at home.
If something seems dangerous, don’t risk it. Rather than standing on a computer swivel chair to change a light bulb for example- spend two minutes extra locating a step ladder from the shed. Keep your wits about you when you’re cutting or cooking anything, and don’t touch power tools unless you’re absolutely sure you know how to use them. If you don’t, call in a professional and pay for them to do certain jobs instead.
Other ways to stay safe at home include only buying, cooking with and eating organic foods as they’re free of harmful pesticides and avoiding electromagnetic damage where possible. Some people are so badly affected by this that they have to seek electromagnetic sensitivity treatment. Turn of your wifi and go back to a cable system instead. Use your microwave less and be wary of things like electric blankets and other appliances which emit more of these rays.
On The Roads
It goes without saying that you should wear a seat belt at all times. Even if you’re only going to be driving for a few minutes, for something that takes seconds to clip in just don’t risk it. Other ways you can stay safe on the roads is to do regular checks of your car, don’t just wait until your MOT.
If anything doesn’t seem right then get it looked at right away. Make sure the tires are in good condition, there are no warning lights are showing on the dash, and that all of the fluids are regularly topped up and not going below the minimum level.
When it’s snowy or icy, only go out onto the roads if you absolutely have to. Another way to make sure you stay safe on the roads is to maintain good driving habits too. Checking mirrors often, putting signals on correctly and not pulling out into gaps in traffic at risky times.
At Work
You should have a proper health and safety induction when you first start at a job. This usually involves a dull video and a manager pointing out the obvious, but it’s important that they do so. Your workplace has a duty to make sure you’re safe on the job, and to make you aware of any risks.
You can keep safe at work by following protocol, being aware that side effects of medication may mean you’re unable to safely carry out your job (particularly if you work with machinery) and by staying alert.
Contributed Content
