Staying Safe When Working in a New Area
Walking through different areas of your facility is a common occurrence, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t stay alert. This is particularly true for employees leaving their old, familiar departments and moving into new roles in other areas.
New employees receive instructions regarding training and safety precautions. However, when changing roles and moving to another area, the transition process can operate very differently. Procedures and equipment may change and safety precautions may vary as well.
Safety in New Surroundings
Before entering another area, familiarize yourself with any special rules or procedures necessary for your safety. This might mean wearing special personal protective equipment or meeting certain regulations concerning employee actions.
During the transition to your new area, be on your guard at corners and close to equipment. Although other employees have their own safety regulations to follow, be cautious and ready to move in case something happens.
Look both ways before stepping out into high-traffic areas. In aisles wide enough for equipment traffic, use extreme caution.
Don’t walk while you’re looking in another direction. You could bump into coworkers, patients or other equipment. If you are unable to watch where you’re walking, wait to continue moving until you can.
Watch out for slip, trip and fall hazards. Wet floors, misplaced equipment or other objects pose a danger to you and others. Be sure to keep floors and hallways clear of these things.
In addition, do not take shortcuts, regardless of how much time they save. Shortcuts are not approved routes and taking them can cause very serious injuries.
At times, it may be necessary to restrict your admittance to certain areas. Whether the restrictions are temporary or permanent, don’t enter the area unless authorized to do so.
Safety Precautions
Stay safe when transitioning into a new work environment by remembering these basic safety precautions:
- Learn new safety procedures and protocols associated with your new role.
- Watch out for moving equipment and personnel.
- Look both ways before stepping into a high-traffic area.
- Use handrails.
- Keep your eyes open for slip, trip and fall hazards.
- Don’t take shortcuts.
- Stay out of restricted areas.
- Ask for directions regarding unfamiliar safety guidelines.
This Safety Matters flyer is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2015, 2019, 2021 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.