1 Experience counts: You've seen the task done hundreds of times, but you have never done it yourself. So, do you know how to do it? No. Never operate equipment or perform a task if you haven't been trained to do it.
2 Fast response: If an injury occurs, report it immediately. Even minor injuries should be reported. They can hint at more serious problems that might develop down the road.
3 Stay aware: Be alert to the sights and sounds around you. This is especially true in high-traffic environments such as warehouses. Know where the exits are (they are clearly marked) and know evacuation procedures. Headphones distract from the activity around you.
4 Keep it tidy: Your workspace should not have clutter. Boxes and equipment should not be stacked in aisles or corners. Paths should not be obstructed in any way. Keep your work area dry to prevent slippery conditions.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
