You’ve all taken the mandatory class. You each passed the test at the end. What else do you possibly need to know about workplace safety? You might be surprised.

Sure, you learned that the best way to protect your eyes is to wear safety glasses. It’s hysterically obvious to you that it’s a bad idea to use the forklift and a chain for removing stumps on your break time for kicks. And you know from experience when your coworker decides he doesn’t need to follow standard safety protocol and asks you to, “Hold my soda,” that you should definitely not hold his soda but instead try to talk him out of whatever crazy idea he just came up with.

You get it. You’re a common-sense kind of person.

But common sense doesn’t cover everything, especially in high-pressure situations. So here are three tips to keep you safe at work. 

1. Locate the AED in your office or warehouse.

Staying Safe at Work

What is an AED? Well, A-E-D stands for automated external defibrillator. It’s a portable device that checks the rhythm of a person’s beating heart. It can also detect if there is no heartbeat. The device delivers a shock to the body which can restore normal rhythm or even jump-start a stopped heart. It’s the best way to treat a person who is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

If you don’t have an AED in your office or warehouse, it’s time to get one. The chance that you might need one someday might be slim, but if you ever do need it, having an AED on hand could be the difference between life and death.

Once you have an AED or if you have one already, it’s time to get trained on its use. Train the whole office or designate an AED responder. Choose a couple of people to designate as your official AED response team, and then make sure those individuals are well-trained on how to use the AED. Let your team know who the designated responders are. Then, if an incident does ever occur, your team will know to call 9-1-1 and your AED responders immediately.

Having the AED, a trained team, and a clear protocol could save you or an employee’s life.

And if that isn’t motivation enough, ask your insurance provider if you will receive a premium discount by adding an AED and training employees on its use.

2. Train your employees in CPR.

So you’re already convinced you need an AED, right? Why would you also need to train your employees in CPR?

With CPR and first aid training, you receive more training than you bargain for. In addition to knowing CPR and the right treatment for a sprain, your employees will also know how to keep themselves calm and safe in an emergency situation. They’ll walk through scenarios and role play the what-ifs so they’re better prepared if the worst happens.

They will also be better equipped to spot injuries and potential emergencies because they’ll know what signs to watch out for. Training for dealing with someone who has had a head injury is something that’s particularly invaluable because those who have brain injuries don’t typically respond the way we assume they should. With training, your employees will be able to spot those who most need medical attention.

3. Equip employees with personal safety skills.

Whether your business deals with the general public or works business-to-business, there are so many things that can go wrong in this world. Protect your employees by coming up with every possible worst-case-scenario. Once you know all the things that can go wrong, you can begin to plan for the worst. Put contingencies in place so your team knows what to do and where to go in any given situation.

Enroll your employees in personal safety classes. A class will help them be better prepared for any scenario. We offer situational awareness training that is vital to taking a proactive approach to safety.

Do you have delivery drivers? Or do your employees drive while on the clock? Then a defensive driving course is also in order. A defensive driving class will help your drivers avoid collisions and stay safe all year long, through rain, snow, sleet, and everything in between.

Being Proactive

The biggest key to safety—whether it be in the work place, at home, or out and about—is to be proactive about your personal safety. You are your best line of defense in every situation. Always:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Be aware of those around you.
• Check for the nearest exit when spending time in any unfamiliar building.
• Look for the nearest AED.
• Also check for fire extinguishers.

Knowing your surroundings is important. Having a plan in place is also important. Do you have contingency plans in place for you and your team? If not, then it’s time to put those in writing and add them to your policies and procedures manual.

For more tips, visit Show Me CPR & Personal Safety on Facebook.