Basic guidance notes

Some advice for safe work:

• If there is something you don’t know for sure, you should first ask somebody about it. Your superior or a colleague can help you and an accident may be prevented.
• Don’t carry out any work tasks unless adequately trained.
• If you believe that you have received too much information in too short a time, ask your superior to give you information in a slower way and repeat the instructions.
• Don’t leave your work area, unless you were told to. There may be special hazards present in other work areas, which you are not familiar with, such as hanging electrical installation, slippery floor or toxic chemicals.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for more training.
• While performing work tasks you should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as protective footwear, a helmet or gloves. Make sure you know when to wear protective equipment, where to find it, how to use it and how to maintain it.
• Immediately inform your superior about the accident when it occurs.
• Don’t overlook the signs of troubles such as headaches, pain, dizziness, itchy skin or irritated eyes, nose or throat. If there is a doctor, a nurse or any other member of occupational medical staff nearby, you should notify them about it.
• Observe the advice and instructions you were given – this includes breaks, adequate use of work equipment, use of personal protective equipment, etc.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PAY ATTENTION TO WHEN PERFORMING WORK?  

Slips and trips – the most common cause of accidents in improperly maintained workplaces where a lot of people work; result of spillages, cables lying on the floor or damaged floor.  

Machines and equipment – a lot of accidents occur as a result of inadequate maintenance, lack of safeguards, lack of training and power failures which may cause burns, fires or even fatal injuries if a person attempting to repair the machine has not disconnected it or turned off the power supply. Dangerous machines may be found in hotel restaurants as well as factories.  

Lifting loads – that are heavy or unstable; incorrect lifting of loads; manual moving of loads in the absence of equipment such as trolleys.   

Repetitive and fast work, in particular work in an unnatural or uncomfortable position and with insufficient breaks – may cause pain and injuries to muscles and joints (musculoskeletal disorders). Examples of such work include working in assembly lines, at supermarket cash registers or behind computers (use of a keyboard and a mouse).       

Noise – exposure to excessive noise may cause damage to your hearing. You may not even be aware of the damage, since your hearing is worsening gradually. The hearing damage may be permanent and irreversible. Other physical dangers include vibrations and radiation.

Chemicals – include ordinary cleaning products, colours, hairdressing products and dust. The use of chemicals at work may cause allergic reactions with permanent injuries, chronic asthma, types of cancer or injuries to the foetus. Chemicals may cause harm to the liver, nervous system or circulatory system.       

Stress – may be caused by the poor organisation of your work, e.g. an excessive workload, unclear responsibilities, too much pressure. An additional cause of stress may be the bullying by your superiors or the colleagues.    

Violence – includes verbal violence and physical attacks. Do not under any conditions accept it as an "integral part" of your work.

Working environment – inconveniences due to heat or cold and serious problems caused by extreme temperatures, bad lighting, etc.