Codes of Safe Practices
Appendix C: Codes of Safe Practices
This is a suggested code. It is general in nature and inclusive of many types of small business activities. It is intended only as a model which you can redraft to describe your own particular work environment.
General Policy
- All employees of this firm shall follow these safe practice rules, render every possible aid to safe operations, and report all unsafe conditions or practices to the supervisor/employer.
- Supervisors shall insist that employees observe and obey every rule, regulation and order necessary to the safe conduct of the work, and shall take such action necessary to obtain compliance.
- All employees shall be given frequent accident prevention instructions. Instructions, practice drills and articles concerning workplace safety and health shall be given at least once every _____ working days.
- Anyone known to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs shall not be allowed on the job while in that condition. Persons with symptoms of alcohol and/or drug abuse are encouraged to discuss personal or work-related problems with the supervisor/employer.
- No one shall knowingly be permitted or required to work while his or her ability or alertness is impaired by fatigue, illness or other causes that might expose the individual or others to injury.
- Employees should be alert to see that all guards and other protective devices are in proper places and adjusted, and shall report deficiencies. Approved protective equipment shall be worn in specified work areas.
- Horseplay, scuffling and other acts which tend to endanger the safety or well-being of employees are prohibited.
- Work shall be well-planned and supervised to prevent injuries when working with equipment and handling heavy materials. When lifting heavy objects, employees should bend their knees and use the large muscles of the leg instead of the smaller muscles of the back. Back injuries are the most frequent and often the most persistent and painful type of workplace injury.
- Workers shall not handle or tamper with any electrical equipment, machinery or air or water lines in a manner not within the scope of their duties, unless they have received instructions from their supervisor/employer.
- All injuries shall be reported promptly to the supervisor/employer so that arrangements can be made for medical and/or first-aid treatment. First-aid materials are located in _____, emergency, fire, ambulance, rescue squad, and doctor's telephone numbers are located on _____, and fire extinguishers are located at ________.
Suggested Safety Rules
- Do not throw material, tools or other objects from heights (whether structures or buildings) until proper precautions are taken to protect others from the falling object hazard.
- Wash thoroughly after handling injurious or poisonous substances.
- Gasoline shall not be used for cleaning purposes.
- Arrange work so that you are able to face ladder and use both hands while climbing.
Use of Tools and Equipment
- Keep faces of hammers in good condition to avoid flying nails and bruised fingers.
- Files shall be equipped with handles; never use a file as a punch or pry.
- Do not use a screwdriver as a chisel.
- Do not lift or lower portable electric tools by the power cords; use a rope.
- Do not leave the cords of these tools where cars or trucks will run over them.
Machinery and Vehicles
- Do not attempt to operate machinery or equipment without special permission, unless it is one of your regular duties.
- Loose or frayed clothing, dangling ties, finger rings, and similar items must not be worn around moving machinery or other places where they can get caught.
- Machinery shall not be repaired or adjusted while in operation.
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