#workplace safety tips

[safety-at-workplace]

Proven Safety in the Workplace Tips for Maintaining a Risk-Free Workplace

Workplace safety encompasses all policies and procedures aimed at keeping employees safe. It’s not just about preventing accidents; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can work with confidence and efficiency. 

Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment according to OSHA regulations. Beyond legal requirements, a safe work environment benefits employees through reduced risk of injury, better morale, and higher job satisfaction. For employers, it means lower absenteeism, higher productivity, and reduced costs related to workplace accidents and liabilities. 

Top Safety in the Workplace Tips for Employees 

Encouraging a Culture of Safety A positive safety culture can significantly reduce tithe number of workplace injuries. This can be achieved by recognizing and rewarding safe behavior, discussing safety issues openly, and involving staff in safety projects. Make safety a core company value, not just a set of rules. 

Proper Training and Education According to OSHA, 80-90% of all injuries are caused by human error, which can be prevented by safety training. Provide comprehensive training that covers hazards, safe practices, and emergency procedures. Make it engaging and interactive with real-life scenarios and hands-on demonstrations. Regular refresher courses keep safety top of mind and prevent complacency. 

Clear Communication of Safety Protocols Ensure that safety protocols are clearly and consistently communicated. Use multiple channels: prominently displayed signs and posters, regular safety meetings, and digital reminders. Create easily accessible safety handbooks or digital resources for employees to refer to at any time. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage Proper use of PPE can prevent up to 37% of occupational injuries. Ensure employees have access to the right PPE, that it fits well, and they are thoroughly trained on its use. Regularly inspect and replace PPE as needed. 

Regular Safety Audits and Inspections Conduct thorough safety audits and inspections regularly to identify potential hazards before they become serious issues. Create a checklist that covers equipment condition, procedure adherence, and regulatory compliance. Involve employees in these audits to create a sense of shared responsibility. 

Proper Handling of Tools and Machinery Improper handling of tools and machinery is a common cause of injuries. Provide comprehensive training on the proper use of all equipment, covering both potential hazards and correct operating procedures. Ensure regular maintenance of all tools and machinery, and encourage employees to report any issues immediately. 

Ergonomics and Workstation Setup Invest in ergonomic furniture and equipment, and provide training on proper posture and workstation setup. Conduct ergonomic assessments regularly and make adjustments as needed. Studies show that reducing ergonomic risk factors can decrease musculoskeletal disorders by 59% and increase productivity by 25%. 

Implementing a Reporting System for Hazards Establish a simple, non-punitive reporting system for employees to report hazards and near misses. This allows for quick identification and resolution of potential risks. Make employees feel safe to report without fear of consequences and keep them updated on actions taken. 

Maintaining a Clean and Organized Workspace A messy workspace is prone to accidents. Implement a “clean as you go” policy and provide adequate storage. Regular cleaning schedules and deep cleans can prevent the buildup of hazards. 

Staying Alert and Avoiding Distractions In high-risk areas, a moment of distraction can be fatal. Encourage employees to stay focused on their tasks and be aware of their environment. Implement mobile device policies in certain areas and create designated “safe spaces” for non-work activities. 

Conclusion 

Creating a safe work environment is an ongoing process that requires commitment from both employees and management. Use these workplace safety tips, along with technology and human factors insights, to reduce risk and keep your people safe. Prioritize safety, invest in good training and technology, and make safety a shared responsibility. Start today by implementing these safety in the workplace tips and exploring innovative solutions like YOUFactors to reduce human error and boost productivity. 

[knight-in-sour-armor]

[ufss]

What safety equipment is required for a fire?

The essential fire safety equipment recommended by Universal Fire & Safety Services Ltd. includes a variety of tools and protective devices designed to help prevent and respond to fire incidents effectively. Key items include:

Fire Extinguishers: Different types such as ABC, CO2, DCP, and foam fire extinguishers to address various fire types.

Fire Detection Systems: Smoke detectors, heat detectors, and fire alarms for early detection of fire and alerting occupants.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Items like aluminized fire suits, breathing apparatus, helmets, safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection to ensure the safety of individuals working in hazardous fire conditions.

Fire Sprinkler Systems: Automated systems that activate when they detect high heat to suppress flames.

First Aid Kits: For immediate medical response in case of injuries during a fire.

Fire Blankets and Fire Buckets: Useful for containing smaller fires before they spread.

Evacuation Tools: Escape ladders, emergency signs, and lighting for safe and efficient evacuation during emergencies​ (Universal Fire & Safety Services Ltd)​

These items are critical in ensuring preparedness for fire-related emergencies in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Regular maintenance and compliance with safety regulations are also strongly advised.

[esquareloto]

How to Elevate Workplace Culture through Lockout Tagout

Lockout Tagout involves isolating hazardous energy sources during maintenance or repair work to prevent accidental re-energization. LOTO helps in building a strong and effective safety culture that promotes safe working methods as a top priority.

Read the full article to understand what is the impact of LOTO on organizational success.

[krithiga17]

NeoEHS: 7 Top Workplace Safety Tips

To maintain a safe workplace, it's crucial to identify operational risks and create action plans to mitigate them. Conduct regular inspections to spot hazards, encourage employees to take regular breaks, and ensure they wear appropriate protective equipment. Enforcing safety rules and providing thorough training on safety procedures can significantly enhance workplace safety and productivity. Following these EHS software tips will help build a safer and healthier work environment for all employees.

[oraliakays]

Four Ways to Encourage Workers to Work Safely

Observing staff members and front-line managers disregarding fundamental safety regulations, let alone attempting to establish an elite safety program, may be incredibly upsetting.

1. Provide rewards for proactive actions. A business will put in place a safety incentive program that only pays staff members for not getting into mishaps or getting hurt. Compose a formal policy that outlines the objectives, advantages, awards, and behaviors that will receive recognition. Ensure that safety efforts don't stagnate by getting people in the organization to see the "big vision" in this regard.

2. Audit your company often in order to make improvements. You can focus your efforts to guarantee that progress is reached by objectively assessing your safety program and procedures. Create metrics that assess important domains, behaviors, and activities that lead to the intended results outlined in the written policies, the company's objectives, and the training goals. Assessments of individuals, divisions, and the entire company may be part of an audit program.

3. Obtain support initially from management or ownership. At the very least, you should concentrate on persuading higher-ups to endorse initiatives to adhere to OSHA standards and hold workers responsible when they disregard anticipated safety procedures. It is insufficient to instill dread simply mentioning OSHA laws and the potential penalties for breaking them.

4. Keep workers accountable on a regular basis. Workers are far less likely to adhere to even the most basic standards, let alone continuously strive for improvement, if they perceive that breaking safety regulations can be done so without facing repercussions. Establish clear repercussions for breaking safety regulations so that people understand what happens. Staff members should be incentivized to adhere to regulations and making sure the cove cameras are also upgraded for a transparent management.

Although every business will face different obstacles, these suggestions, when properly applied, can have a significant influence on any safety program.

[constructionsafetynetwork]

Construction Safety Tips for Beginners

Entering the construction industry can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to safety. Our focus here is on “construction safety tips for beginners.” This article aims to provide foundational safety guidelines crucial for anyone starting in the construction field. Understanding these tips is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe work…

[unpopularvetopinions]

I never want your help holding your animal. If I did, I would ask.

I won't.

[cautiousheroes]

CautiousHazards:

LEARNING PATHFINDER: - THE KITCHEN IS VERY HAZARDOUS BUT YOU'RE GONNA BE TOTALLY CAUTIOUS.

It is undeniably that hazards Will always be by your side and unexpectedly it has the potential to harm in terms of injuries, health - ILL and to your work environment. But it's your lucky day because we cautiousheroes of CBF are here to help and guide you with the dangers inside your kitchen, this blog is trusted and well proven to provide help, we've conducted enough research to help you, let this blog be a source no just to you but to anyone else.

Let us enlighten you to your kitchen so you can be safe and ready all the time.

Here are the types of kitchen hazards and how to avoid them.

1.Proper Use and handling of knives

-This are the most fatal and one of the most common hazard in our kitchen y'know they say that the first love is the sweetest but the first cut is the deepest, so if you don't have way much experience in handling these sharp objects you'll be a prone to injuries so the only thing you can avoid this hazard is to learn the proper way of handling them learn their ways and train it always sharpen them and use knives on a stable surface.

2.Water spill's

-This kind of Hazard doesn't do much but it cost sudden injuries, like if you slipped into a wet floor it'll cost a fall damage that might be mild or fatal, to avoid this wet problem always make sure to mop the floor or put a signage into the kitchen so other personnel will be alerted that the floor is wet, and can be easy to avoid but in case you've already slipped check for possible injuries and apply ice and consult to a clinic just to be sure.

3.Improper placing of detergents/Dishwashing soap/pesticide

-Into this kind of Hazard should be taken seriously, because I wrong step the food you are preparing might be contaminated, all because of the misplacement of your detergents, to avoid this hazard in your kitchen always keep it far from the food you are preparing, avoid from the reach of children and place/store nicely and properly. DO IT NECESSARILY!!

4.Fire

-This type of Hazard is very dangerous of all, because all of a sudden when the unexpected time comes you will see your kitchen in flames, the only thing to avoid this fiery flames of Hell, is to check for gas leaks, and always make sure to turn off the gas tanks, and always prepare fire extinguishers just in case, and if you got burnt apply cold water compress and then go to the nearest hospital, And contact fire personnels just in case things might go out of hand.

5.Electrical circuits, power lines

-For our last kind of Hazard this is the type that might Shock you, get it? (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧ or damage any company asset, to avoid this shockingly experience always make sure that the circuits isn't wet or there is no problem onto power shortage or any faulty wiring onto your kitchen if there is one make sure to contact electrical personnels asap.

All of this hazards are the only commonly we can experience onto our kitchen so stay tuned to more learning pathfinders, Heroes (⁠◠⁠‿⁠・⁠)⁠—⁠☆

[safe-t-mark]

Designated medical providers are medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants who have been specially trained in work related injuries. Your family doctors do things with colds, flu's and other medical conditions. Designated medical providers specialize in injuries like fractures, eye injuries, strains and sprains.

Workers compensation insurance normally will provide a list of designated medical providers to your employer to use in the event your employees were to be injured at work. Some of the times even the workers compensation insurance company will work deals with these designated medical providers for reduced prices for medical procedures.

It is really important that an employee who is injured see a medical doctor as soon as possible, this will possibly keep the injury from getting worse.

If you have questions about designated medical providers, contact your company's safety representative or human resources person.

[nyancrimew]

workplace safety tip: stay home for the day

[greenwgroup]

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[yurozo]

resident evil headcanons (restaurant au)

characters: leon, chris, jill, claire, rebecca, ada, luis, carlos, wesker. a/n: this was created as a joke between me and my friends that completely spiralled out of control. maybe the stupidest au i've ever created. wesker and friends hit me up if you wanna use this warnings: vulgar language. sorry, i'm canadian, we swear a lot here.

chris redfield (bartender): he's one of the first hires, and has been working as the head bartender forever. he absolutely loves to lowkey trauma dump on customers unknowingly, only to shake the mixer after just to avoid the awkward silence. the owner has had to move the tv's out of the way of the bar because chris will only look at the screen and fuck up every single drink during a big game. refuses leon everytime he tries to come up to the bar for drinks. he knows when it's him, leon always tries to input it in the system as a customer order for a table that isn't occupied, but he always orders his whiskey in a very specific way that outs him. chris will pour it out in front of him to make a point. he eventually had to make a memo about not letting leon take drinks from the bar anymore. to customers, he is every older woman's wet dream. he knows that flexing his biceps will rake him in more tips, so he does it often. also does it when women are being hit on by creepy men to scare them away. the night that he wears tight turtlenecks are his big paycheck days. chris will never admit that he likes when people squeeze his arms. chris is the guy that everyone has a crush on when they first start working there, it's basically an initiation rite at this point. he's the friendliest one of the bunch and gives wholesome big bro vibes and it makes him absolutely irresistible to new hires. (x reader) if you're working alongside chris in the bar, prepare to constantly run into him. he's a massive guy, and maneuvering around a little bar with that hunk is near impossible without a couple collisions. after a while, he's learned to put a gentle hand on your back whenever he has to move behind you, all for the sake of "workplace safety". he loves to sneak food from the kitchen and share it with you, but this man eats like a horse. like the chefs are genuinely surprised on how much food this man can physically fit inside his body, but he will always leave a portion for you. it takes him a long time to make a move because he's afraid of ruining your friendship and workplace relationship. leon kennedy (server): he got hired a little after everyone else, and got put onto the waitstaff because of his looks. however, this man is super awkward with patrons despite being super popular with older women. he's always getting propositions to get set up with someone's daughter and he always unknowingly shoots them down. (customer: "you're really cute, leon: "ok.") he always makes little jokes to lighten the mood and it is an instant vibe killer. the only people who like them are the old ladies who think he's cute, and dads who genuinely think he's funny.

as for the whiskey incident, leon has tried multiple times to pretend being a bartender when chris is on break to sneak himself a drink. he claims that it makes him better at serving, but three broken trays and countless shattered glasses say otherwise.

leon does have kind of a blank expression when patrons try and get him to cut them deals or do stuff for them. he will immediately go back and scream by himself in the freezer after a difficult customer interaction. has cried silently in the freezer after food got in his hair. (x reader) leon always smells like american crew hair pomade, and always showers himself in cologne on shifts he knows he's working with you. you smiled at him one time in the middle of a rush and he had to sit on the curb to collect himself. leon has a horrible tendency to get distracted whenever you're in his general vicinity, and will completely ignore customers whenever you walk by with literal hearts in his eyes. he's one of the fastest people to make a move, mostly because he lacks any form of subtlety. he always offers to drive you home, always offers to take you out to dinner after work like you already don't work in food service, and always keeps something in his bag for you. he loves to lowkey fuck with you on shifts, like putting an ice cube down your shirt to make you pay attention to him. jill valentine (hostess):

another og worker, and the most no-nonsense of them all, especially with customers. if the wait time is thirty minutes, then you're waiting thirty goddamn minutes. she does not care who you supposedly know. she has gotten a couple writeups for visibly rolling her eyes when large parties come in without a reservation. jill demands a break every thirty minutes to sit with chris on the curb while he smokes a cigarette. she calls it her mental health breaks.

pointedly does not listen to leon when he asks her to stop seating people in her section. her favourite past-time is to seat all the old women obsessed with him at his tables to watch him flounder. also gives leon's number out to people who try and hit on her at the job. she's also the only person who can scare the owner, so jill gets away with a lot more than most people. her and carlos often hang out after shifts to drink beer and play pool. her and claire have regular girls nights where jill's convinced into facemasks and terrible movies that only have a one star rating on whatever pirated movie website claire pays for. (x reader) every attempt you make to ask her on a date goes completely over her head. it's only at chris' intervention that she finally gets the hint and takes you out to dinner. she ends up having her own shelf of stuff at your apartment within a week, and she's more than happy to drive you to work everyday. if you have a pet, prepare for jill to come over to spoil it rotten and feign ignorance when you confront her about it. another victim of the 'takes extra long to get ready on shifts you work together'. she knows you like her arms, so she's wearing short sleeves or tanks whenever she has the opportunity, and silently preens in your attention. carlos, (line cook):

without a doubt, the line cooks are the vibe bringers of the restaurant. carlos always takes a hit off his dab pen before coming in, because he claims it makes his cooking taste better. he always gives food to the female servers at any given opportunity, and pretends to not know what the male servers are talking about when they bring it up. (is the reason for 90% of the memos regarding workplace behaviour).

carlos always smells like old spice and food, and there is almost nothing that could break his good mood during a shift. he really is just happy to be there. he's very particular on how the freezer is organized, but loved to label the items wrong to piss off the others (spinch). his mother taught him how to cook, so he has a dedicated dish named after her. carlos always comps her meals when she comes in and doesn't tell anybody about it.

as for the other employees, carlos torments them. he loves to play his own music in the kitchen but has a wildly inappropriate taste for work music. chris banned him from the speaker officially after only playing doja cat for three hours. however, him and luis love to carpool and play brazilian funk with all the windows rolled down at max volume. those two are not allowed to work together too much. he also has a mobile game rivalry with leon, so anytime carlos is missing from the kitchen, you'll find him in the bathroom on his phone. just follow the shitty iphone game music.

(x reader) in all honesty, carlos is the man that's hooked up with the most employees. the mans charm is undeniable. but he has a particular soft spot when it comes to you-- you get to taste-test every dish, there's always a nice cold glass of water waiting for you, and carlos will take the fall for every fuckup at your table. he'll introduce you to his mom when she comes in, but is secretly terrified at how well the two of you get along. don't even get him started on bringing his siblings into the place, he would never hear the end of it. carlos received another memo after engaging in too much pda at work after the two of you got together.

claire redfield (waitress):

one of the main reasons for all the positive google reviews. it's not that she's naturally a super bubbly person, but claire knows how to turn it on and off when her shift starts. jill puts most of the families in her section since claire has a natural gift with kids. however, she is extremely biased when it comes to the food. her face always tells you exactly what she thinks of a dish.

since chris is always within eyesight of her, whenever difficult customers give her problems, she loves to sic chris on them. even just having him stand behind her is enough to give her leverage over someone trying to haggle on a bill. and with carlos' willingness to give food to pretty girls, she never goes hungry during a shift. the girl has her whole shift figured out on a system. she also knows exactly when the lull in service is going to be so she can take extended bathroom breaks.

out of everyone, she's the one to organize after-work hangouts, whether by putting gentle reminders into the group chat, or straight up bullying people to come (ie. jill). everyone always knows when she pulls up from the sound of her engine, but she refuses to let anyone on it. especially luis or leon, for insurance reasons.

(x reader) this girl has the uncanny ability to know what you need, and when you need it. forgot an iced tea for table 20? it's already in her hand on the way. it's her nice little way of showing what a good girlfriend she would be, that she can anticipate your needs. for every group hangout, you are the first person she texts and the primary benefactor of the tips she makes. claire is a no bullshit kind of woman, and when she wants you, you will know. she'll always ask you to hang out, always compliment how you look, tell you constantly how good you are at your job. maybe she'll let you ride behind her on the motorcycle just for the excuse of having your arms around your waist, and does that hot thing where she rubs your arms with her thumb at red lights.

rebecca chambers (head waitress):

dear old rebecca, truly the glue holding everything together. she's incredibly sweet to customers, and to most of the employees. the only reason the floor runs properly is her by the book attitude and highly perceptive personality. nothing is getting by rebecca. she's leon's number two nemesis for being able to drink on the job, and chris' number one nemesis for smoking outside. this woman has the nose of a bloodhound when someone is about to do something stupid.

despite her appearance, everyone is afraid to make her angry. she's lost her shit a total of one time, but it was enough for everyone to be on their best behaviour. she does have a tendency to make passive aggressive comments with such a sickly sweet smile on her face, that you won't even realize she insulted you until long after she's walked away.

least favourite part of the job? she is a hit with old men. they can never leave her alone. second least favourite part? finding ways to sneak vitamins into certain employees food so they can live to see another day. the way that some of the others operate is enough to give her grey hairs.

(x reader) rebecca is intelligent and ambitious, and more than willing to make sacrifices when it comes to you. she's more than happy to take the fall on a screwup if it gets you out of it, wanting nothing more than your smile in return. her main tactic of getting to know you is inviting you over to watch movies, inconspicuously of course, so she can ask you questions over the whole thing. overall, she's an acts of service girl, but is much more subtle about it than claire is. you need a meal prep plan? she's your woman. she wants nothing more than to take care of you, to make your life as easygoing as possible. but the true way to her heart is any form of baked goods. if you make a habit of bringing her pastries before a shift, she's putty in your hands.

ada wong, (head chef):

this woman, god help her, has the hardest job out of them all. not only does she have to babysit her two line cooks, but she's also responsible for cleaning up all the fuckups the waitstaff make. her saving grace is the fact that everyone else is terrified of her, creating a wide berth every time she picks up a knife. everyone can always hear her scolding carlos in the kitchen, who just brushes it off with a laugh.

despite the chaos of a kitchen, ada has the impeccable ability to never get food on herself. even after the dinner rush there is not a single hair out of place, looking just as perfect as when she started. every ingredient is measured precisely, every fda standard met and upheld-- pretty much the counterforce to carlos and luis. secretly, she loves when carlos has control of the speaker, but she would rather die than admit it.

the second an overcomplicated modification comes in, the temperature of the kitchen immediately drops. why the hell does she pore over a menu just for some middle-aged man to think he knows better than her? despite her no-nonsense attitude, she does secretly love fucking with leon. only luis knows about her secret tinder account that she catfished leon on with some fake woman in romania.

(x reader) ada is a woman in tune with herself, in tune with what and who she wants. the second she gets attached, she will display clear favouritism. every new recipe she tries is given to you for taste-testing, claiming that you will always give her the truth. it's a lie, she just like seeing the grin on your face when you enjoy it. if anyone asks her about it, she will vehemently deny it, claiming that you're the only one competent enough at your job. her asking you out is more of a demand than it is a question: this place, this time, wear that dress you know i like. she's not huge fan of pda at the workplace, but she'll always give you that look that screams, just wait until i get my hands on you later.

luis sera (line cook):

this man does not operate on a recipe, he operates on la pasion. really, it just means the foods always a tad spicier than it should be. he also sings obnoxiously loud in the kitchen, to the point that patrons can hear it if they're seated close enough. this man obeys ada for the most part, but he's honestly never touched a measuring cup in his life. he'll stop pouring when his ancestors tell him to stop pouring. however he has the uncanny ability to know exactly when meat is within three degrees of whatever temp they need it cooked to.

the waitstaff either love him or hate him. luis playfully flirts with everyone in his line of sight. who could blame him? he's stuck in a kitchen all day and everyone at this restaurant is unbearably attractive. mostly, he just likes seeing their reactions. leon adamantly begs claire to fetch his plates from the kitchen for him, because luis calls him prince charming every time, and leon hates it.

there's a rumour going around that he got drunk after a shift and made out with another employee, but no one knows who it is. there's a restaurant-wide betting pool on potential victims. also, since luis is the only person who knows about the catfish incident, he loves to ask leon innocuous question while feigning innocence about the whole thing. he's just really invested in his love life, he swears.

(x reader) if you think the flirting is bad towards leon, just wait until he catches an eyeful of you. it is a nonstop barrage of witty compliments, offers to go dancing (or clubbing), and pick-up lines that were definitely picked up off the internet. he's a suave guy, don't get me wrong, but he most definitely gets too many of his ideas from old romance novels. at some point he gives up, telling you straight that he wants to take you out, for reals, and cook you a nice home-cooked meal. maybe some wine. maybe more, if you'll let him. luis is another person who displays clear favouritism, and tries to convince ada into naming a dish after you. it has a horribly cheesy name, but it tastes wonderful and he loves shooting you a wink every time you see him making it (he always makes that dish more carefully than any of the others).

wesker (manager):

this man bought the damn place in a last ditch attempt to save himself from bankruptcy, and unknowingly entangled himself into the lives of the dumbest twenty year olds he's ever met in his life. the only person that he kind of tolerates is ada, because she runs that kitchen like it's the military, and he can respect how batshit terrifying she is. he has a particular vendetta against chris for reasons he can't name, but since chris brings in a lot of money, he can't really refuse. he mostly gets that frustration out by pinning things on chris that leon most definitely did.

he's rarely seen on the actual floor, usually just hanging in the back on the computer doing whatever the fuck he does. (he's playing farmville, but no one knows it's him because of a pseudonym. he also does not know how to turn the music off so if you stand at the right position outside the door you can hear it.)

when he is seen out on the floor, he's wearing the most obnoxious sunglasses and leather jacket known to man, and stalks around the bar to watch for mistakes. you know you fucked up around wesker when there's a sneer on his face. the place almost got robbed once, and wesker threw a punch so fast that everyone stopped trying to piss him off after that.

(x reader) truthfully, he doesn't act too much different around you. it takes months to catch onto the little quirks that show his softness-- just a slight ease in his eyebrow, a softer pitch when addressing you directly. he'll still chew you out for mistakes, but he forgets about it long before he'll let anyone else slide. if things did eventually progress between the two of you, that manager's office is staying locked.

thank y'all for reading! this ended up being way longer than i thought it was going to be lol.

[penvisions]

unexpected bloom {joel miller x reader}

Pairing: Joel Miller x Reader

Summary: A single flower and a chance encounter brings color to your life.

Word Count: 965

Warnings: none really, fleeting sexual content, allusions to adult content, kissing, fluff, pre-outbreak / no outbreak au

A/N: this was done to try and shake some writer's block, as a part of the 'flora and fauna' writing challenge by @morallyinept

ao3 link || navigation || joel miller masterlist || ko-fi

A single flower.

That’s how it all started.

And you thanked every lucky star in the universe as you felt the heat of the body you now curled around as you slowly woke from your slumber. The broad back your front was pressed to was bare, skin on skin in the most intimate of ways that turned from barely conscious and sensual to wide awake and desperate.

Grunts fall from the man’s full lips as he presses his hands to the backs of your thighs, his hips moving against yours in a steady rhythm. Your own fingers tangled almost painfully with his as they hold you in the position he’s found you like the best. The one that punches the most wonton and guttural sounds from deep in your chest as he brings you to the shattering crest of pleasure over and over again. His curls may be graying, his hands weathered and callous, his back aching and sore. But he always seemed to find his youth when you smiled at him over the rim of your mug or trailed a hand over his broad shoulders.

He had certainly found his youth when you had approached him in front of your workplace to compliment the flowers he had been contracted to plant all along the buildings entrance. Enough so that he hadn’t even thought of how completely sappy and unfounded his plucking of a single one to deliver to your desk with a handwritten note had been until well after he had done it. The nervous panic setting in once he was back in the safety of his home and the deed had been mentioned by a tittering Sarah as she recounted her first day as an intern in the very same building.

Of how she had giggled and fawned over the move he had made without much thought beyond how you had to be prettier than all the flowers he had been dealing with. He felt embarrassment flood him, his fork suddenly clinking between his teeth and his ears tipped pink as he watched his daughter rave about how romantic and sweet it had been for someone to do that. How no one seems to care about stuff like that anymore and all she gets are text messages she doesn’t even know how to respond to their so dry and unoriginal. He puts aside his embarrassment to tell her that if she doesn’t want to, she doesn’t have to engage. That she deserves only the best because she is the best. His whole world in the most perfect package right across the table from him.

She pauses, her own ears tinging as she smiles brightly before teasing him for being such a dad.

But he takes it in stride, because that seems to be his whole purpose in life. To be her dad, to be the one person she could rely on for anything and everything. But that since she had graduated from her university program and moved from their home into a dorm to get the full experience and now an apartment with her friend Ellie while they worked internships, he didn’t get much of a chance to be that.

His newfound purpose was to be your boyfriend.

Something he took just as much pride in because you were perfect too.

He had taken you another single flower the following day after Sarah’s gushing of how lucky you were and how excited you had been to find the first on your desk. How your eyes kept falling on the gift he had left throughout the day. One each day until your schedules had aligned and he could take you out on a proper date. The once single flowers had turned into bouquets, his once written words became spoken affections. You had smiled so gorgeously and laughed so genuinely that he had fallen even deeper in his feelings for you. The ones you returned with bashful and then teasing words. Wit sharp and endearing as time ticked by.

Something you reminisced on as he laid beside you now, both panting for air. Skin sticky with sweat and hands idly wandering over each other.

“What’re you thinkin’ about?” He rumbles, seeing the way your gaze is both focused and faint. Not wanting him to worry, you press a kiss to his damp temple, rolling over to lay half over him. His arms come to rest on your lower back, anchoring you to him.

“Thinkin’ about flowers,” You grin, teeth catching the sunlight peeking through the thick curtains. Resting your chin atop folded hands over his chest.

“We need to plant some for the season, before it’s too hot.” He touches the tip of his nose to yours, causing your face to wrinkle as you scrunch against the tickle of his moustache across your lips.

“Let’s get peonies.”

“Anythin’ for you, you know that.”

“I think…I think I want those for my bouquet too.” Your eyes trail from his handsome face to the ring that sits on your finger. Warm from your skin, from his.

“Yeah?” His eyes soften as he watches you admire the jewelry. He had been so nervous when he begun to plan his proposal, the whole thing thrown out the window one morning when you had peered at him through the open window of his truck as he dropped you off at work. The words had burst from his chest in one solid breath, shocking you both. Another step with you that felt so natural he had done it without thinking. But it paid off, because here you were with him still.

And to think, he had almost turned down the job for worry of embarrassing his daughter at her first job.

“Yeah.” You pressed the single word to his lips.

[bitchesgetriches]

{ MASTERPOST } Everything You Need to Know about Repairing Our Busted-Ass World

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