Safety Not the Job: Some Truths and Myths

Safety Not the Job: Some Truths and Myths

Believe it or not, even in the glove industry, there may be some faulty information floating around. We’re here this week to help debunk some of the most common myths and un-truths regarding your safety in the workplace and glove use in general.
 
The first myth we’ll tackle is “You Can’t be 100% Safe”. When you think about it, it is pretty hard to guarantee that you and your employees can remain safe 100% of the time. Many people just adopt the idea that it’s not even worth trying to stay safe since hazards aren’t completely unavoidable. With this mentality, it is even more important for managers and supervisors to achieve buy in at all levels, from all employees. They need to work to change the culture of their workplace to one that values preventative safety procedures. One way to help begin this shift is to embrace a team first mentality, which means that what is best for the team, is best for the individual.
 
The next myth we’ve got is “Older Employees Get Hurt More”. This quite frankly is not true. In the vast majority of cases, older employees have time and experience on their side, which means they know the ins and outs of equipment, procedures, and how to avoid major hazards. It is important to utilize their knowledge, especially when training new workers. When older employees do get injured, however, it often takes them out of the game for a bit longer. For this reason, you might consider implementing a job rotation schedule so that a larger number of people are trained and capable to take on different positions in the event of an injury related vacancy.
 
This next myth has to do with glove use. “If you’re wearing work gloves, you’re safe”. Here’s the thing, personal protective equipment, like gloves, are imperative to keep you safe. However, wearing them improperly or excessively is potentially even worse than not wearing them at all. To get the most out of your safety and work gloves, you need to pick the right type for the job, as well as adhere to policies set forth by the company. Make sure that you are wearing safety gloves that maximize your protection and do not diminish your dexterity and mobility.
 
And finally, “Common Sense Will Always Come out on Top”.  When it comes to workplace safety, you should never default to cruise control. When workers are comfortable and familiar with hazards, equipment, and safety protocol, they can easily fall into complacency. When complacency strikes, laziness is not far behind and this is when injuries, mistakes, and accidents take place. In overcoming this myth, it is vital to take the right, safe, way even if it isn’t the most convenient.
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.