Workplace No Place For Guesswork

Most people are full of questions before taking on a new job, but not always the ones they need to be asking. It’s understandable to want to know how much a job pays, the hours one will be working and whether benefits are part of the package, but the questions shouldn’t stop there.

Employers are required by law to inform all workers about hazards that exist in the jobs they will be performing – including potential exposures to chemicals, machinery hazards and working at heights. But for a number of reasons, this might not happen.

If you are unsure about a procedure, you must seek clarification from someone who knows. Trying to use “common sense” and figure something on one’s own has resulted in countless worker injuries and deaths around the world.

Many of us are afraid of appearing “stupid” by asking what others might consider a dumb question. But staying silent and badly injuring yourself as a result of turning the wrong valve or flipping the wrong switch is bound to raise more eyebrows than asking a “dumb” question.

Bottom line: If in doubt, just ask. And if you don’t like the answers you are getting, contact OSHA or your local government safety agency for advice.