Staying safe should always be a top priority. However, with so many obscure safety rules out there, it can be difficult to keep track of them all. Get fined for breaking a rule you didn't even know existed? That doesn't seem fair.
Luckily, there are ways to learn about and follow even the most obscure safety regulations. Doing so keeps you safe and avoids those pesky fines. Here's how to do it.
Research Common Obscure Safety Rules in Your Industry
Many obscure rules relate to specific industries. Construction workers need to follow complex fall protection rules. Food service employees have to adhere to detailed contamination prevention protocols.
To get started, research the niche safety rules in your field. Check industry publications and blogs to find warnings about commonly overlooked or ambiguous rules. Talk to experienced coworkers to get their insights on problematic safety regulations.
Spend time upfront learning the weird safety rules your industry deals with. Doing so gives you a solid foundation for staying in compliance.
Thoroughly Read All Safety Policies at Your Workplace
Your employer provides safety policies for a reason - to keep you informed! Yet it's easy to skim over the details. Set aside dedicated time to thoroughly read your workplace's safety materials. This includes:
- Safety manuals
- Instructional signage
- Internal memos
- Emails
Take notes while reviewing policies to reinforce the content. If any safety rules seem vague or confusing, ask your supervisor for clarification. It's better to ask questions upfront instead of breaking a rule you don't fully understand.
Make sure to re-review policies whenever they're updated. Don't make assumptions - read every section carefully. Having in-depth knowledge of all on-site safety rules will help keep you in compliance.
Perform Regular Workplace Safety Inspections
It's impossible to remember every obscure safety rule at all times. That's why performing self-inspections is so important.
Set a reminder to thoroughly inspect your workplace for safety issues every month. Check that:
- Caution signs are prominently posted
- Safety equipment is in good condition
- No slip, trip, or fall hazards are present
- Emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed
During the walkthrough, refresh your memory about safety protocols. Pay special attention to areas where injuries occurred in the past. Use checklists to ensure you look at every rule and regulation.
Self-inspections reinforce obscure safety policies that are easy to overlook day-to-day. They'll jog your memory about that weird PPE rule or emergency exit protocol you keep forgetting.
Ask for Reminders About Unusual Safety Rules
Let your supervisor know upfront that you want to follow all obscure safety rules properly. Share that you find niche regulations difficult to keep top of mind at all times.
Ask your boss to randomly check in with reminders about facility-specific safety policies as needed. Having occasional refreshers about unusual protocols will help cement them in your mind.
You can also request reminders after an accident or near miss. Your supervisor can provide refresher training about relevant obscure rules that were broken. This helps prevent similar incidents in the future.
Admitting you need help remembering niche safety rules shows maturity and commitment to compliance. Managers will appreciate you taking workplace safety seriously.
By researching industry-specific regulations, studying policies thoroughly, performing self-inspections, and asking for reminders, you can master even the most obscure safety rules. Staying compliant helps keep your workplace injury-free and avoids expensive fines. Keeping yourself and others safe should always be the top priority.