By 
Working in a safe environment should be a right, not a privilege. But, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers in 2018 alone.
These injuries cause unnecessary pain and suffering for employees. In addition, they cost businesses a fortune, with overall costs in the US amounting to a staggering $163.9 billion in 2020.
Interestingly, most workplace injuries are easily preventable. In this blog post, we’ll outline practical things you can do today to enhance workplace safety. By following these tips, you can keep your employees happier, healthier, and more productive.
Establish Workplace Safety Policies and Procedures
The first step to keeping your workplace safe is to establish clear safety policies and procedures. By doing this, you set the expectation that safety is a priority and that everyone must do their part to keep the workplace safe.
Having office safety procedures in place can help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. For example, you might have a policy that requires employees to wear gloves when handling hazardous materials. This simple measure can go a long way toward preventing injuries.
Of course, establishing policies and procedures is only half the battle. You also need to make sure that your employees are aware of the policies and that they understand why they are in place.
Keep your safety policies and procedures up to date. Moreover, make sure that everyone in the workplace is aware of them.
Provide the Necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE helps to protect employees from hazards by creating a barrier between them and the hazard. Common examples of PPE include gloves, goggles, and respirators.
It is important to provide employees with the appropriate PPE for their specific job tasks. For example, construction workers need different PPE than office workers.
Providing employees with the correct PPE can help prevent injuries, illnesses, and even death. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that employees know how to use and care for their PPE properly.
Regular training on PPE use and maintenance can help to ensure that employees are always protected.
Inspect Workplace Areas for Potential Safety Hazards
A key part of maintaining a safe workplace is regularly inspecting areas for potential hazards. By taking the time to identify hazards, you can take steps to reduce the risk of injuries occurring.
For example, if you notice loose carpet tiles or uneven flooring, you can arrange for these to be fixed. Similarly, if you notice a loose handrail, you can take action to get it repaired.
Additionally, regular inspections can help to guarantee that all equipment and machinery are in good working order. This simple step can go a long way toward preventing workplace accidents and injuries.
Investigate Workplace Accidents and Near-Misses
When accidents or near-misses occur, some businesses simply write them off as part of the cost of doing business. But investigating workplace accidents and near-misses can help you prevent future accidents and improve your bottom line.
Talk to the employees involved, and witnesses, if any. Look for patterns and trends. And most importantly, identify the root cause of the incident.
Once you know what caused the accident or near-miss, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again. This may involve changing your safety procedures or providing additional training for employees. You may also want to consider making changes to your work environment.
Role Model Safe Behavior Yourself
The most important tip for making safety part of your workplace culture is also the most simple: be a role model yourself. As a small business owner, you need to lead by example and set the tone for how you want employees to behave.
If you cut corners or take risks, your employees will too. But if you always follow safety protocol and make sure everyone is following the rules, your employees will learn to do the same.
Recognize and Reward Safe Work Habits
Rewarding employees for practicing safe work habits is an effective way to encourage and motivate others to do the same. By providing recognition, you are conveying that safety is important and that you value the efforts of those who are committed to making the workplace safe for everyone.
Some of the ways to recognize good behavior include:
- Verbal praise
- Written notes
- Small tokens of appreciation
This not only helps to create a culture of safety but also fosters a sense of collaboration and teamwork. And when employees feel supported in their efforts to work safely, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.
Implement an Emergency Preparedness Plan
A big part of business ownership is always being prepared for emergencies. No one knows when a fire might break out or a natural disaster might strike, so it’s always best to be prepared.
One way to do this is to develop and implement an emergency preparedness plan. This plan should identify potential risks and hazards and detail how to respond in the event of an emergency.
It should also include a communications plan so that everyone knows who to contact in case of an incident.
Let Technology Help
Technology has come a long way in recent years, and there are now many software options available to help improve workplace safety, including SDS management software.
Many businesses now deploy safety management systems to identify and track hazards, monitor incidents and accidents, and create and implement safety procedures.
Other useful software options include risk assessment tools. These can help to identify and assess risks in the workplace. You can also use safety training programs, which can provide employees with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely.
By making use of these technology solutions, businesses can help to create a safer working environment for their employees.
Keep Workplace Safety First in Your Company
A safe workplace is a productive workplace. Implementing even just a few of these workplace safety suggestions can make a big difference in the safety of your workplace and do wonders for your bottom line.
Did you enjoy reading this article? Keep visiting our blog for more exciting content.
Comments