Many hazards can put the employees in a workplace in danger, which range from faulty wiring that serves as an electricity hazard, or exposure to chemicals that can cause health issues, or even poor working conditions that affect the mental health of the employees, but it is not too hard to maintain a safe work environment as with the proper precautions, every employer can ensure that their employees are safe, comfortable, and producing the maximum output.
1. Provide Proper Training
Employees need to be trained properly on how to use certain machinery and tools, as misusing them can be threatening, as any mishap can happen if they are used improperly. They should also be trained on taking the right safety protocols and all the emergency procedures surrounding the machines, and made aware of their surroundings so that they can identify any workplace hazards. If you have jobs that require physically strong people, then hire people who can deal with the physical challenge. You can employ physical abilities testing services to ensure that the people you hire are right for the job, as this will lower the risk of injuries and improve the safety standards of your workplace.
2. Encourage Open Communication
A clear channel should be established so that employees can easily and openly communicate on it and report any incidents or workplace hazards as soon as they see them. In this way, employees are not only able to report to the relevant authorities so that they are able to take relevant action immediately, but other employees are also alerted so that they can take extra precautions. It also prevents more incidents from happening as employees feel safe and comfortable in reporting all sorts of incidents or hazards, no matter how small they are, before they turn into larger hazards.
3. Maintain the Equipment and Facilities
All types of machinery or equipment in your workplace should be inspected regularly, as it is potentially a danger to anyone using it if not in good condition, and not only the machinery, but also any tools or workplace conditions, such as wiring, should be regularly inspected and checked, as any malfunctions could mean a threat to the employees. All safety equipment needs to be inspected regularly so that in the time of an emergency, it is useful, as a lot of times, safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, is installed, but not checked regularly, so that in times of need, they turn out to be broken or leak, making them useless. Regular checks will prevent such a thing from happening. Since 2.9 workplace incidents occur per 10000 workers in the United States, it highlights why it is very important to take strict measures to ensure the safety of workers.
4. Promote Employee Health and Wellness
The health and safety of your employees is of the utmost importance as they are stakeholders of your workplace and your business, and without them, your business could not grow, and not only is the physical health of your employees important, but so is their mental health, which is why you should encourage your employees to look after themselves, such as by keeping hydrated throughout the day and taking breaks regularly.
5. Plan and Prepare for Emergencies
Every company should have a community dedicated to spreading awareness about emergencies amongst all the teams. There are many areas in which your employees can be prepared, such as instructing them about what to do if a fire breaks out. They should be trained on how to use a fire extinguisher, and the dos and don’ts if one breaks out. Evacuation drills should also be regularly conducted, as even though theory is necessary to teach employees, they will only remember if they practice. They should also be educated on giving first aid, and such sessions should be held regularly, and reminders sent out constantly via email and messaging.
Conclusion
A safe workplace begins when employers take the right steps to prevent any incidents from happening through compliance with policies and taking all the necessary precautions. They also engage their employees by being open to them, taking responsibility for their employees themselves, encouraging them to take responsibility, and overall enhancing the productivity of their workers.
Photo Credit:
Photo 1, Credit to Freepik || Photo 2, Credit to Freepik (CC0 1.0)
Sources:
https://www.everbridge.com/blog/workplace-safety-tips/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/workplace-safety-tips
