7 Safety Rules Every Company Should Enforce

7 Safety Rules Every Company Should Enforce (Or Risk a Serious Incident)
By David Sawyer, Safety Coach | HelpWithOSHA.com

Your safety record reflects your safety expectations. Let that sink in.

If your current record isn’t where you want it to be, it’s time to raise expectations—and enforce them.

In my experience coaching safety managers across industries, I’ve identified 7 critical safety rules every workplace must follow. These aren’t just “nice-to-haves.” They are non-negotiables if you want to protect your people and avoid costly incidents—or worse.

Let’s break them down:

1. Immediate Incident Reporting

Accidents, near-misses, and property damage must be reported immediately—not later in the shift, not tomorrow. Immediate reporting helps:

• Get injured employees medical care quickly

• Prevent the same mistake from happening again

• Document issues for compliance and training

🛠️ Pro tip: Use QR codes on first aid kits or posters that link directly to a reporting form. Just make sure care comes before paperwork.

2. Lockout/Tagout Every Time

When machines are being serviced, lockout/tagout must be followed—no exceptions. This is one of the top violations OSHA cites, and the consequences of skipping it can be fatal.

✅ Your lockout/tagout program must include:

• Clear procedures

• Proper equipment (locks, tags)

• Regular training

• Clear communication of expectations

3. Never Lift People on a Forklift

Standing on forks, pallets, or makeshift platforms? Immediate termination. This is a common “shortcut” that leads to tragedy.

💡 Every employee—forklift certified or not—must understand:
No lifting people. Ever.

4. Consistent Safety Meetings

Safety meetings aren’t about checking a box. Weekly or bi-weekly toolbox talks open up communication, catch issues early, and create a culture of safety awareness.

📅 Key to success: Consistency.
Make safety part of your company’s rhythm, not just a reaction to incidents.

5. Keep All Exits and Egress Paths Clear

Exit doors—and the walkways to them—must always be clear of obstructions. Pallets, cords, deliveries, even “temporary” clutter create serious fire and evacuation risks.

🔍 Inspect all exit doors, not just the front. Even better: mark paths with yellow tape to highlight clear access.

6. No One Works Alone

If someone’s in the facility, someone else should be too—especially nights, weekends, or holidays. Maintenance techs, cleaners, or anyone onsite must have a second person present.

🧍+🧍 = Backup in case of injury, medical event, or emergency.

7. Stop Unsafe Situations

If something feels off, it probably is. Train and empower your team to STOP work when things don’t feel safe—even if it slows production.

🛑 Unsafe behavior must be corrected immediately, not rationalized or tolerated.

Want to Be Ready for an OSHA Audit?

Download my Free OSHA Audit Checklist at HelpWithOSHA.com. It’s a practical tool to help you:

• Prepare for inspections

• Communicate with OSHA

• Reduce potential fines

You’ll also find access to my online OSHA prep course—built specifically for busy managers who don’t have time to waste but want to stay compliant and protect their teams.

Final Thought:
Safety doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require commitment. Raise your expectations, enforce these 7 rules, and you’ll transform your safety culture and your record.

Because no one should get hurt at work.

Need help with safety compliance or training? Visit HelpWithOSHA.com or connect with me for customized coaching.