With millions of illnesses and injuries sustained in the workplace being reported each year, safety in the workplace is a growing concern among companies of all types and sizes.
The recent global events have only brought new worries, making workforce readiness and safe work environments a priority for most businesses.
As a result, organizations are now putting workplace and employee safety at the forefront, and here are some proven ways you could increase safety in your company as well:
Follow safety procedures
Staying up to date with the latest safety procedures and protocols should be among your main priorities, both in terms of adhering to industry standards and following guidance from important organizations such as OSHA.
Not only will accordance with the latest protocols drastically improve the safety in your workplace, but it will also help to avoid potential lawsuits in the future, and therefore save you some money in the process.
Make sure your employees fully understand the new procedures as well, in an effort to reduce risks and hazards, and increase the overall workplace safety.
Never take shortcuts
Workplace safety procedures exist to keep all employees safe and protected, particularly those handling hazardous material and operating heavy machinery.
That is why using all tools and machines safely, correctly, and according to instruction is absolutely essential. Shortcuts will only lead to accidents and injury, and simply aren’t worth the couple of minutes you might save.
As a manager or employer, it is your legal and moral obligation to ensure safe conditions in the workplace, so make sure all employees are properly trained and informed on the necessary safety and handling procedures before they begin their work.
Encourage reporting
While employers must ensure a safe workplace for everyone involved, safety is, after all, a team effort. That is why you should aim to create an open and honest environment where your employees will feel free to report any immediate unsafe conditions as soon as they notice them.
Whether that means realizing ladders are bent or seeing that floors are wet, all team members should report potential safety hazards to their management or the personnel responsible for safety. The sooner dangerous conditions are reported, the sooner they can be fixed.
Invest in quality gear
Regardless of the work environment, personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the most crucial aspects of workplace safety. From safety helmets and eye protection to cut-resistant gloves and non-slip shoes, employers should provide all necessary PPE and ensure it’s worn at all times.
Apart from PPE, it would also be wise to invest in the best men’s workwear for your staff. Specialized clothing made from high-quality materials will provide higher comfort and functionality to your employees, in turn reducing the common risks associated with loose and ill-fitting clothing in the workplace.
Set emergency protocols
Emergencies often come as a surprise, especially in terms of natural disasters, which is why you should always be prepared for all potential emergencies in your region that could disrupt safety in the workplace.
Begin by implementing emergency protocols that include identifying potential risks, investing in insurance, protecting crucial points of the business, and creating emergency evacuation and management plans. Then, ensure all employees are familiar with the emergy procedures, and consider performing occasional drills to prepare them for following the protocol.
Issue safety surveys
You can also set the tempo on a more regular basis. Once a month, semiannually, or per quarter, you can conduct safety surveys among your employees.
These surveys should include how easy it is to report any concerns, how effective the safety protocols and training are, how workers feel about the company’s commitment to safety, etc. Then, review all of the insights your employees provide in order to know the main areas of concern, as well as which protocols and procedures might need to be improved. This can be quite helpful feedback for the overall safety in the workplace.
Encourage breaks
Taking regular breaks is required by many safety administrations around the world, but it is simply common sense as well.
When employees are tired, they are more prone to accidents, injuries, and other incidents due to the fact that exhaustion hampers their ability to focus and stay aware of their surroundings.
Taking regular breaks, on the other hand, keeps employees fresh and alert. That is why you should encourage your workers to take shorter breaks on a regular schedule, whether that means stretching, walking around, grabbing a bite to eat, or simply getting some fresh air.
Safety in the workplace begins with personal responsibility that represents an important part of the company culture. As long as your employees are informed, well-trained, and familiar with the necessary safety standards, they will be able to identify and avoid potential unsafe conditions.
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