Do you know the danger zones? They’re in every workplace—areas where one wrong move could be a painful experience. Sharp instruments, heated equipment and chemicals are part of work life but they can be managed safely with proper training and equipment. Ask questions and, most importantly, know the dangers before you begin a job task. Hazards include:

• Toxic Chemicals
• Discarded Needles or Medical Waste
• Slippery Floors
• Hot Equipment, Boiling Water or Heated Grease
• Sharp Tools
• Heavy Objects that May Fall or Need to Be Moved
• Furniture or Equipment that Could Cause You to Trip or Fall
• Violent Crime
• Roughhousing Co-workers
• Chemicals or Materials that May Cause Allergic Reactions
• Equipment or Tasks that Could Cause Repetitive Motion Injuries
• Sharp Objects or Tools
• Supervisors, Co-workers or Customers that Act in a Harassing Manner

If You Encounter an Unsafe Situation

Define the Problem: What’s wrong with this picture?
Get Advice: Is there a safe way to approach the situation?
Set Goals: How can I make this situation safer?
Know Your Rights: By law, you cannot be forced to perform an unsafe task
Get Supervisor’s Advice: Ask your supervisor for help in correcting the situation
Go Outside for Help: Check with agencies that specialize in workplace safety

What constitutes an emergency?

An emergency is any situation that threatens employees, customers or the public with the potential to damage equipment, shut down operations or cause physical harm.
Types of emergencies

• Illness or injury
• Tornadoes, floods or severe storms
• Power outages
• Toxic releases
• Fires
• Chemical spills
• Terrorism
• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Explosions
• Violence
• Criminal Actions

What to Know Before an Emergency Happens

• Know what to do (and if you don’t know, ask now)
• Know the locations of shelters and meeting places
• Know evacuation routes
• Know all emergency equipment and alert systems
• Know procedures in the case of an injury or illness
• Know who is the designated person who is in charge in an emergency
• Know the location of a first-aid kit
• Know how to contact help