Federal law requires employers to create a safe and comfortable working environment for their employees. But depending on the nature of the work, it can be difficult to create and maintain said environment. If you find yourself needing some strategies to reduce work-related stress, here we offer some tips to help you feel safe and protected at work.
Tip 1. Adhere to stipulated COVID-19 safety measures.
As you return to work, you can take the following measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 at your workplace. Wear a mask at all times, wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water, do not use the washroom immediately after someone else, maintain strict social distancing measures (aka, maintain adequate space of about six feet between you and your co-workers work station if possible), and keep doors and windows open to allow for ventilation.
These measures should complement existing measures that business owners have put in place to safeguard against the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Tip 2. Know your rights and benefits.
Employee benefits are any perks offered to employees in addition to their salaries. Some common employee benefits include total or permanent disability (TPD insurance), basic life insurance coverage or supplemental life insurance coverage, retirement packages, overtime pay, paid time off and domestic partner benefits. To add to this, review your employment contract to understand which of these benefits you’re entitled to under federal employment laws.
Additionally, if you have any employment-related legal queries, an experienced employment law attorney can offer legal advice on your legal rights as an employee. An employment law attorney can advise you on your specific job-related legal issue as outlined in state-specific federal and state laws.
Some common employment disputes include wrongful termination, sexual harassment or unwanted sexual advances, total permanent disability (TPD), unpaid wages, unfair dismissal, or employment discrimination.
As the nature of work is changing, the insurance industry is also adapting to meet this need. If you are an independent contractor, familiarize yourself with the forms of insurance you may need to protect yourself.
As a landlord, for instance, you can compare landlord insurance with iSelect. For more information on the basic rights of employees, visit the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website.
Tip 3. Understand job-specific risks and hazards.
Familiarize yourself with company health and safety protocols and learn the safety hazards that are most common in your workplace to prevent injury and unnecessary harm.
Common safety hazards to look out for include live or damaged electrical wires, slippery floors, biological hazards like mold, office ergonomics such as poor fitted or ill-adjusted office seats and desks, availability of and ease of access to emergency exits, functional fire alarms, and operational fire extinguishers. In the event that you notice any of these safety hazards, be sure to escalate these concerns to your supervisor. In the event that these safety hazards caused harm and injured an employee, it is important that it gets reported right away, and contact a workers compensation law firm.
Tip 4. Take regular work breaks.
Take regular breaks to avoid burnout or saturation. Burnout often affects productivity as it affects concentration. To have a more productive workday, begin the day with the tasks you find most difficult, or those that need undivided attention, as you are usually more alert at this time. As the day progresses, take breaks when possible, stretch your legs, drink water, and take regular deep breaths.
Tip 5. Attend to your job.
Only perform the duties stipulated in your employment contract. In the event in which an assigned task is unclear, always consult your manager. Ensure you have received the proper training for your particular job posting to avoid making mistakes that could harm business processes.
A large sum of our lives are spent working, we hope these tips will make your work experience safer.
