6 Simple Steps to Improve Your Company’s Workplace Safety

Steps to Improve Company’s Workplace Safety

Workplace safety should be one of the highest priorities of your company. Putting aside the fact that the average cost of workplace injury of $42,000 (a 2019 survey) can put quite a heavy financial burden on any company, workers who feel the employer cares about their wellbeing are more productive and engaged.

With that in mind, promoting and implementing workplace safety protocols is no longer an option but rather becomes a priority. Let us take a look at a couple of ways you can do that in the most effective manner.

Put more effort into training your employees

Well-educated employees are capable of recognizing workplace hazards, working to avoid them and prevent them, and providing appropriate help to colleagues in danger. That is why they need to become the focus of all of your workplace safety efforts. Also, be thorough as much as possible and provide training to all workers regardless of position. You never know when and how the troubles can arise – making sure all of your workers are ready to deal with them cuts the chance of dangerous injuries to a minimum.

Incentivize responsible behavior

Of course, if you want your workers to make the most of their training, you need to provide them some incentive to keep them 100% on board. Keeping in mind the average costs of workplace injuries you shouldn’t have a problem allocating a portion of your budget monthly budget for rewarding responsible behaviors, careful maintenance, and early detection of workplace hazards. Even if you are unable to provide such a program, you can still achieve the same results with small workplace perks and days off.

Provide adequate safety equipment

Poor workplace equipment is one of the main factors contributing to a high number of workplace injuries. So, while you are trying to implement safety protocols and programs be sure to supply your staff with adequate and safety equipment. The options you have on disposal range from helmets and professional safety boots for people who are directly involved in manufacturing to emergency lighting and enhanced extension cords to the staff working in the offices. The more items you manage to cover the better.

Use appropriate labels and signs

Clear instructions can be a true lifesaver. It is good to know when that labels and signs are probably the cheapest and the most effective way to communicate important information and instructions to your employees. As you know, a picture speaks a thousand words so you can start by laying out important hazards and procedures through this important medium. If you want to go one step further you can also color-code important pieces of equipment and workplace sections to make things even more intuitive.

Utilize checklists and regular maintenance schedule

Both these things will prevent or at least postpone malfunctions that can lead to dangerous workplace hazards. Safety checklists will give you an intuitive tool you can use to easily measure the level of safety and equipment condition on a daily, monthly and annual basis. A firm maintenance schedule, on the other hand, will keep your equipment in top-tier condition and bring the chances of breakdowns close to zero. In any case, you will introduce a healthy workplace routine and make the environment much safer.

Optimize shifts and leverage regular breaks

Last but not least, we would like to remind you that tired workers are much more prone to mistakes that cause dangerous injuries and even fatalities. Now that you’ve turned your premises into an encouraging and safe environment, it is time to go one step further to accommodate your staff. Your workers should never go on beyond the 48 hours weekly limit and be allowed to take a 20-minute break if they are working 6 consecutive hours or longer. Shorter, spaced-out breaks are more than recommended.

So these were the 6 tips that should help your turn your company into a place that will provide the optimal safety and allow your workers to accomplish the best possible results. All these things are in the best interest of your organization. People who feel cared for are people who perform the best. And that is what all successful companies are built upon.

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