Globally, about 2.3 million workers lose their lives to job-related accidents and illnesses every year, according to the International Labor Organization. When people think about workplace safety, they think of high-risk industries like mining, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.
The truth is, any business, even offices that seem safe and comfortable, has potential hazards that put employees’ health and safety at risk. If you haven’t been prioritizing safety at your workplace, it’s time to promote a positive safety culture. This includes educating your employees about steps to take after a workplace injury.
Maintaining a safe work environment is key to boosting productivity and profits. That’s because employees focus more on meeting their targets than worry about getting injured. Below are 4 tips for improving health and safety at the workplace.
Identify Risks
Each industry has unique safety risks, and the best way to identify yours is by assessing the workplace. Evaluate the kind of work your employees engage in and find out the dangers they face. For example, if you run a commercial bakery, your workers are prone to back injuries and muscle strains because of lifting heavy trays of cake or bread. They are also likely to experience respiratory allergies like asthma and sneezing due to inhaling flour. Other workplace health and safety hazards to look out for include falls, fire, being struck by objects, chemical exposure, and electrical hazards.
Control Hazards
Once you have identified potential safety hazards, determine if you can eliminate them. If not, consider using engineering and administration controls that enhance workplace safety. For instance, you could use machine guards. Doing so reduces the chances of employees getting caught in between equipment. Moreover, create strict operational policies, emphasize the importance of personal hygiene, and provide safety training.
Provide The Right Equipment And Prioritize Regular Maintenance
Investing in the right tools is vital for increased productivity and safety at the job site. However, you must train employees how to utilize tools and equipment safely to avoid accidents. Most importantly, prioritize the upkeep of machinery. Perform regular checks on power trains, engines, moving parts, and suspension of heavy equipment. Remember, failure to maintain work equipment and tools in good conditions can result in expensive lawsuits. In most cases, employees hire personal injury attorneys to file accident claims against their employers. According to https://www.fvflawfirm.com, getting injured in a workplace accident is stressful, especially if someone else is responsible. So, it is appropriate for employees to seek compensation for injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Investigate Accidents
Regardless of how minor an accident might be, conduct a thorough investigation to determine why it occurred. Engage your employees in the process and brainstorm together factors that might have caused the incident. Think of possible solutions and test them before implementing them in your workplace safety and health program. You want to be sure your safety action plans are effective in keeping workers safe while they work.
Creating a safe working environment helps you save money on workers’ compensation claims. You also enjoy improved employee productivity and efficiency. With this in mind, prioritize equipment maintenance, provide the proper mechanical aids and personal protective gear, and control hazards.