Top 10 Workplace Safety Tips for Employees

A workplace is considered decent only if it provides safe working conditions for its employees. Therefore, workplace safety isn’t just a priority; it’s a necessity. Because it minimises the likelihood of employees sustaining injuries or ending up in accidents.

Based on the report of 2023 from the International Labour Organisation, each year, 2.93 million workers die due to work-related factors, while 395 million workers sustain non-fatal work injuries.

This data highlights just how crucial it is to put strong safety measures in the workplace. In this article, let’s get into the most essential ten workplace safety tips that organisations should prioritise in 2025 in order to keep their employees safe.

10 Workplace Safety Tips for Employees in 2025

1. Promote Ergonomic Workstations to Prevent Physical Strain

Ergonomics, pronounced “er-guh-NOM-iks,” is the science of designing work environments and tools to align with employees’ physical needs. In the workplace, the goal of ergonomics is to create workspaces that promote comfort, efficiency, and long-term health, ultimately boosting productivity and job satisfaction.

According to the WorldMetrics.org Report 2024, 1 in 6 workplace injuries result from poor ergonomics, with 13% directly linked to poor posture. On average, office employees spend 5 hours and 41 minutes sitting at their desks each day. Additionally, lower back injuries account for 80% of workplace injuries, underscoring the need for effective ergonomic interventions to enhance employee well-being and productivity.

Even minor workplace injuries can affect productivity, morale, and health costs. Prolonged physical strain often leads to musculoskeletal disorders, such as tendinopathy or bursitis, resulting from repetitive movements or improper posture.

Ergonomic Strategies to Prevent Workplace Injuries:

To help foster an ergonomic work environment, here are practical steps that employers and employees can take:

1. Optimise Workstation Setup: Position desks, chairs, monitors, and tools to promote natural posture and alignment. Monitors should be directly in front of employees at eye level, and keyboards should be positioned to avoid excessive reaching or twisting.
2. Encourage Proper Sitting Posture: Provide adjustable chairs with lumbar support that allow employees to sit upright and distribute weight evenly, reducing strain on the back and shoulders.
3. Promote Movement and Task Variation: Encourage employees to change positions, stand, and stretch throughout the day. Short breaks every 20–40 minutes help relieve muscle tension, prevent fatigue, and maintain focus.
4. Provide Training on Safe Movements: Educate employees on safe movements, such as rotating the entire body instead of twisting when reaching for items, to reduce strain on the back and neck.
5. Optimise Environmental Quality: Adjust lighting, temperature, and noise levels to create a distraction-free, comfortable environment that supports both focus and physical well-being.
6. Invest in Ergonomic Tools: Equip employees with tools designed to support natural body alignment, such as ergonomic keyboards, footrests, and monitor stands, to reduce physical stress.

Establishing a Feedback Loop for Ergonomic Needs:

Creating a feedback-friendly environment allows employees to report discomfort or ergonomic concerns, enabling proactive adjustments. Regular assessments and open feedback channels allow HR and management to address issues early, fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.

Implementing ergonomic solutions not only shows employees that their well-being is valued but also promotes retention, enhances productivity, and strengthens workplace culture. By investing in ergonomics, companies build a safer, more supportive work environment, leading to sustained business success.

2. Biometric and Behavioural Access Controls

Biometric access controls are critical for enhancing workplace safety, offering greater security than traditional methods like passwords or keycards. Many organisations now implement biometric systems, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, from the onboarding stage to prevent unauthorised access.

According to Horizon Grand View Research, the global market for fingerprint access control systems is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2024 to 2030, driven by security concerns. In 2023, the FTC received 1,036,961 complaints of identity theft, highlighting the need for more secure access methods.

Contactless biometrics can reduce risks of identity theft, data breaches, and intrusions. Employees should follow protocols when using biometric systems, ensure their personal data remains secure, and report any access issues to avoid breaches. When combined with behavioural monitoring, this technology offers a robust solution to keep the workplace safe in 2025.

Emergencies can strike anytime, bringing risks to employees, customers, and operations, whether from natural events like hurricanes and earthquakes or human-caused crises such as chemical spills. Effective emergency planning and regular safety drills are essential for a safe workplace.

According to OSHA’s 2023 report, workplaces reported 8,943 severe injuries, with 7,336 hospitalisations and 2,424 amputations. These numbers underscore the importance of preparedness to minimise risks and ensure employees are equipped to handle unexpected situations.

Why Safety Drills Matter:

1. Preparedness for Real Emergencies: Drills simulate real scenarios, helping employees become familiar with procedures and responses and build confidence for real-life emergencies.
2. Reducing Panic and Confusion: Knowing what to do during an emergency reduces panic and helps employees stay calm, focused, and less likely to be injured.
3. Improving Emergency Plans: Regular drills expose any gaps or weaknesses in existing emergency plans, allowing for timely adjustments and improvements.
4. Supporting Compliance: Conducting safety drills helps meet regulatory requirements, avoid penalties, and demonstrate a commitment to workplace safety.
5. Building a Safety-First Culture: Drills show employees that their safety is a priority, fostering a secure, supportive work environment.

Types of Safety Drills to Conduct:

• Fire Drills: Practise rapid evacuations to safe, designated assembly points.
• Evacuation Drills: Prepare for various threats, such as natural disasters, ensuring employees know the fastest and safest exit routes.
• Lockdown Drills: Train for emergencies that require remaining indoors and securing the premises.
• First Aid and Medical Emergency Drills: Equip employees with first-aid skills and response techniques for medical emergencies.
• Chemical Spill Drills: For hazardous environments, these drills train employees on containing and safely handling chemical spills.

Steps to Implement Effective Safety Drills:

1. Develop Clear Procedures: Outline detailed steps and assign roles (like floor wardens or first-aid responders) to ensure everyone knows their responsibilities.
2. Educate Employees: Explain the importance of each drill and train employees on their specific roles.
3. Schedule Drills Regularly: Conduct drills at different times throughout the year for maximum participation.
4. Evaluate and Improve: After each drill, gather feedback and make necessary adjustments to improve the procedures.

Regular safety drills not only prepare employees but also reinforce a workplace culture of safety, helping reduce fear and confusion during actual emergencies. This proactive approach ensures a safer, more resilient workplace for everyone.

3. Implement Cyber Hygiene Practices for Enhanced Cyber Security

With the rise of daily cyberattacks, employee safety is increasingly at risk due to data breaches and phishing attacks.

As per the World Economic Forum report, in 2023, there were approximately 2,220 cyberattacks each day, totalling over 800,000 attacks annually.

Some of the most high-profile breaches included the theft of 60,000 emails from U.S. State Department personnel via a Microsoft Exchange breach, a data exposure of 3.8 billion records at DarkBeam, and a ransomware attack on the U.K.’s Royal Mail, which disrupted international mail services. Other notable incidents involved the MOVEit data breach, which compromised data for over 2,000 organisations and 60 million individuals, and the theft of 34 million Indonesian passport records by a hacktivist, increasing concerns around scams and identity fraud​.

These incidents highlight the urgent need for strong cybersecurity practices. Data breaches can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and severe personal impacts, as cyber threats continue to target both critical infrastructure and public institutions. Effective cyber hygiene is essential for protecting sensitive data and ensuring a secure work environment for all.

Practical Cyber Hygiene Tips to Protect Employees:

1. Password Security: Protecting personal information begins with unique, complex passwords for each platform. Encourage employees to use a blend of letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoid password reuse across systems.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is essential, providing a second layer of protection. By requiring an additional verification step, it reduces the chance of unauthorised access to employee accounts and data.
3. Recognise Phishing Attempts: Educate employees to detect phishing attempts, which are often disguised as legitimate requests. Teach them to look for unusual email addresses, urgent requests, and vague greetings, and to report any suspicious emails to I.T. immediately.
4. Regular Software Updates: Security patches and updates are key to protecting against newly identified cyber threats. Enabling automatic updates ensures employees are protected from vulnerabilities without requiring manual effort.

Safe Practices for Remote Work:

For employees working remotely, special precautions help protect both company and personal data:

• Use Company-Approved Devices: Employees should use only approved devices to ensure compliance with security standards that protect them and their data.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is inherently insecure. Employees should use private, secured networks or VPNs to avoid exposing their information to hackers.

Cybersecurity as Shared Responsibility:

Cyber hygiene is a shared responsibility that impacts every employee. By following these practices, employees actively contribute to a safer workplace environment, where personal data and privacy are better protected. When employees understand the role they play in cybersecurity, they’re better prepared to prevent potential breaches that could compromise their personal information.

By adopting these practices, organisations create a secure work environment, reducing risks to employees and protecting the workforce from the potential impacts of cyberattacks.

4. Wearable Safety Technology

Wearable technology is becoming essential for employee safety across industries. Devices like smartwatches monitor vital signs such as heart rate and oxygen levels, providing real-time alerts when workers show signs of fatigue or stress. This proactive feedback helps employees take breaks or seek medical attention before serious issues arise, reducing accidents due to overexertion.

According to Deloitte, wearables can prevent injuries that cost U.S. companies nearly $1 billion per week. As of 2022, half of manufacturers have adopted wearables, demonstrating their growing importance for safety and productivity.

Employees can leverage wearable technology to monitor their health by regularly checking vital signs like heart rate and oxygen levels. By using these real-time alerts, workers can take proactive steps to reduce risks, such as taking breaks when prompted, especially in high-demand environments. Additionally, employees should report their health data to management if wearables detect any concerning trends, which allows for adjustments in workplace conditions or duties to ensure optimal health and safety for all. This feedback loop between wearables and management can significantly improve overall workplace safety and well-being.

5. Automated Workplace Environment Controls

Automated systems are increasingly being used to monitor and regulate workplace environments, ensuring optimal conditions for air quality, temperature, and lighting.

This is especially important considering that, according to the article “Indoor Environmental Quality and Comfort in Offices“, people spend approximately 90% of their time in closed spaces such as offices, where Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) directly impacts health, well-being, comfort, and productivity. Poor air quality, inadequate lighting, and uncomfortable temperatures can lead to headaches, fatigue, and respiratory issues.

By continuously adjusting environmental factors in real-time, automated systems help maintain ideal conditions, reducing health risks and enhancing both safety and employee performance.

Employee Steps for Maintaining Automated Workplace Conditions:

• Stay aware of conditions: Familiarise yourself with how the automated systems operate and ensure they are working properly.
• Report discomfort: If you notice discomfort due to temperature, air quality, or lighting, notify your facilities manager immediately.
• Follow health guidelines: Ensure you stay hydrated and follow any other relevant health recommendations in environments controlled by these systems.
• Immediate action: Check whether the systems are maintaining a comfortable work environment and promptly report any issues.

This proactive approach, supported by automated environment controls, plays a critical role in mitigating health risks and enhancing the overall workplace well-being of the employees.

6. Mental Health Support and AI-Powered Wellness Programs

Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, as emphasised by the WHO’s definition of health, which includes mental and social well-being, not just the absence of physical illness. With the advent of digital technology, accessing mental health support has become easier than ever. AI-powered mental health apps such as Stella, Woebot, Wysa, and Replika are revolutionising the way individuals manage their mental health.

These apps offer features like mood tracking, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) exercises, and virtual companionship, making mental health resources available at the tap of a smartphone. A key advantage of these AI-driven platforms is their ability to provide personalised support by leveraging machine learning algorithms that analyse user interactions, allowing them to offer tailored advice and exercises for each individual’s specific needs.

Employee tips to maximise mental health benefits:

• Use wellness programs regularly: Take advantage of AI-powered wellness programs that offer stress monitoring and virtual therapy.
• Seek help when needed: Don’t hesitate to use the resources provided, especially if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
• Track your mental health trends: Monitor your mental health over time and share any significant changes or concerns with your manager.

7. DEI and Psychological Safety Initiatives

Imagine a brainstorming session where every idea, no matter how unconventional, is met with curiosity and interest rather than judgement. You feel encouraged to speak up, knowing that your contributions are valued and mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. This sense of comfort and security is referred to as psychological safety, which empowers employees to be authentic and share ideas without fear of judgement.

Studies by the American Psychological Association (2023)) reveal that nearly one-third of workers feel unsupported due to their identity, whether it’s race, gender, sexual orientation, ability status, or age. Younger workers aged 18-25 are especially affected, with 45% feeling unsupported, while 34% of those aged 26-43 report similar concerns. Racial and ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ workers also face higher levels of perceived lack of support, underscoring the urgent need for strong DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) and psychological safety initiatives in the workplace.

These findings highlight the necessity of DEI and psychological safety initiatives to create an inclusive, safe workplace. Combining DEI efforts with workplace diversity training helps reduce these disparities, ensuring a safer and more supportive environment where all employees feel valued and empowered to succeed. This comprehensive approach is essential for improving individual well-being and organisational success.

8. AI-Based Risk Management and Predictive Analytics

AI systems are increasingly used by occupational health and safety professionals to reduce workplace accidents and improve health outcomes. These tools assess health risks, monitor workplace conditions, and detect potential safety hazards early on. Predictive analytics, in particular, identifies risks of accidents and occupational diseases before they occur by analysing historical data patterns. This proactive approach is very similar to the methodologies mentioned in Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification training, which emphasises risk reduction, process optimisation, and efficiency improvements. By combining AI-driven tools with Lean Six Sigma principles, organisations can further enhance safety protocols, reduce inefficiencies, and optimise workplace processes.

For instance, in noise control and health surveillance, AI systems continuously monitor noise levels, alerting employees when exposure exceeds safe limits. They also detect early signs of hearing loss and predict future occupational noise-induced health problems. This proactive approach reduces workplace accidents and enhances safety outcomes, enabling organisations to prevent hazards rather than react to incidents.

Furthermore, AI helps employers comply with safety regulations through continuous monitoring and on-the-spot hazard identification, leading to fewer workplace injuries and fatalities. Employers in countries like the USA and the UK also use AI-driven systems to manage compensation claims, showcasing the utility of AI in workplace risk management.

By enhancing regulatory compliance and offering cost-saving benefits, AI-powered risk management tools not only improve safety but also reduce the risk of fines and legal issues. This makes them a vital component in modern workplace safety strategies.

9. Smart First Aid Kits with IoT Capabilities

As per the report of Medicon Open Access, lack of first-aid expertise endangers an average of 150,000 lives a year. Heart attack emergencies, where timely first-aid could have potentially saved their lives, kill at least 29,000 people yearly, and 70% of these deaths occur before the victim reaches the hospital. These alarming statistics highlight the crucial need for better first-aid preparedness and timely intervention to save lives in emergencies.

To address this urgent need, Smart First Aid Kits, powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, are transforming workplace safety by enhancing preparedness and response to emergencies. These kits come equipped with features like inventory tracking and emergency alerts, ensuring that both individuals and organisations are always ready to deal with critical situations.

One of the major benefits of these kits is real-time data acquisition. For example, IoT devices such as smart bandages can monitor wound healing and transmit data on the patient’s condition to healthcare providers, allowing for timely interventions. Additionally, automated alerts and responses enable the system to send emergency notifications when certain thresholds, like a fall or medical emergency, are detected, ensuring a rapid response.

The integration of IoT devices into first aid kits also allows for remote patient monitoring, which can be especially useful for employees with chronic conditions. For instance, a blood pressure cuff can send daily readings to a healthcare provider, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits and allowing early intervention if needed.

By utilising IoT-enabled Smart First Aid Kits, workplaces can greatly improve their ability to manage medical emergencies and enhance overall employee safety, reducing risks and saving lives.

Things employees must note to maximise the effectiveness of IoT-Enabled First Aid Kits:

• Know where first aid kits are located: Be aware of the placement of IoT-enabled first aid kits and how they operate.
• Follow instructions from IoT kits: In an emergency, follow the instructions provided by the smart first aid kit to deliver quick and accurate care.
• Report supply shortages: If supplies are running low, notify your manager or rely on the IoT system to automatically report it.
• Immediate Action: Locate the nearest IoT-enabled first aid kit and familiarise yourself with its usage for quick response in emergencies.

Conclusion: Advancing Workplace Safety with Innovation and Responsibility

In 2025, workplace safety will be revolutionised by the integration of advanced technologies like AI-driven surveillance, biometric access controls, and IoT-enabled first aid kits. These innovations not only enhance physical safety but also help mitigate risks through real-time monitoring and proactive interventions. However, for these tools to be truly effective, organisations must ensure that employees are familiar with them and actively follow safety protocols.

At the same time, fostering a strong safety culture remains crucial. Employees should be empowered to take responsibility for their well-being by staying informed, reporting issues, and utilising mental health resources when needed. By blending technology with a proactive safety mindset, organisations can create safer work environments where employees feel protected, valued, and equipped to respond to any emergency.