workplace
Workplace safety is the easiest to overlook, it is also the easiest to take care of.
* Always keep a path free where you can still walk, and make sure you know it's placing blindfolded. In the case of any emergency you should be able to 'get the hell out of there' without having to think twice.
* Wear construction boots with steel tips and steel plate (under the sole, it protects your feet against nails from below). Good construction boots will usually carry an 'approval' label from a safety institution. They can also provide you with insulation from electrical currents conducted through your body to the ground.
* Wear solid work gloves to protect your hands. Leather ones are best, cheaper ones may do for some jobs (especially when you need a bit more feel for the tools/job than leather ones provide you with).
* Whenever you're grinding, drilling, cutting wear safety glasses.
* Whenever you're working with acid wear rubber gloves, a rubber apron and safety glasses. Make sure you have a good supply of baking soda handy to neutralize any acid spills that may occur.
* Keep people that have nothing to do with the job at hand AWAY from the workplace. It's as simple as that. No distractions that can cause you to look away at a crucial moment, nobody that can get hurt because a tool fell on them when they were standing in a place they should not be.
* Have someone check up on you periodically whenever you are working alone.
* Take regular breaks.
* Don't work with tools or on critical stuff when you are tired.
* Don't lift heavy loads all by yourself. Anything up to 30 Kg (65 lbs) is ok I guess, above that (and below that if you're not comfortable) ask one or more people to help you. And lift from your legs, not from your back!
* Wear tough fabric pants (Jeans are ok), and avoid loose clothing.
* Do not wear jewellery, rings and other 'appendages' that you can not do without (glasses are ok I guess). The oft heard excuse 'but what will my wife/fiancee/girlfriend think when she sees me without the ring' is absolute nonsense, think about what your wife/fiancee/girlfriend will feel when you have to go visit the ER to have your finger put back on (if you're lucky and that is still possible).
* When you work on a ladder make sure that it has solid footing and that the ladder is in good shape. Ladders are probably the single largest cause of accidents !