It’s mandatory for any small company to understand the importance of workplace safety for their employees. To protect staff from injury, they need to be aware of your health and safety protocols so they can minimize the risks. Regardless of whether you operate on a construction site or office block, there are all kinds of hazards and risks that your team needs to be aware of.
Your employees’ health and wellbeing should always come first, so here are some useful tips on how to improve workplace safety.
Train Employees
Even if you’re an expert in all things health and safety in the workplace, that’s not to say your employees are the same. When welcoming new staff into the business, you must provide comprehensive training to minimize workplace injuries. You should have a health and safety handbook that can be given to new and existing team members, so they follow the correct protocol. There will always be hazards everyone needs to be aware of, so make sure your team fully understands what is expected of them. You can hold safety meetings daily or weekly so employees are kept up to date on your practices.
Use Labels and Signs
No matter what your workplace environment looks like, all employees will benefit from labels and signs housed around the building to communicate important information quickly and efficiently. Whether it’s pictures that outline hazards and proper protocols, or words that stick in their mind, frequent reminders and warnings are essential for all workers, regardless of experience. In regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, you must have signs and labels to encourage handwashing and sanitation.
Prevent Slips and Trips
If your workplace is filled with computers and laptops, there will be all kinds of wires on the floor that could be a serious trip and fall hazard. Make sure that you tape down any wires to avoid employees falling and obtaining a serious injury. There are other things you can do to prevent slips and trips from occurring, such as cleaning spillages immediately, marking wet areas, sweeping debris from floors, as well as keeping corridors free of clutter.
Reward Behavior
Another great way to improve workplace safety and reduce injuries is by rewarding your team for safe behavior. Handing over small incentives for staff who follow your safety policies will not only show that you value them, but will keep them engaged with what they’re doing.
Encourage Regular Breaks
For employees to work at their best and stay alert and focused, you should encourage regular breaks throughout the working day. Having five minutes to stretch and get away from their workload is key for relieving muscle tension. Your team’s stress levels may be through the roof which can hinder how they work and increase the risk of injury, especially if they’re handling heavy machinery. Regular breaks can maintain performance, reduce stress levels and, most importantly, reduce the risk of accidents.
Keep an Open Dialog
If any of your team need certain safety protocols reiterating, make sure you keep an open dialog so they know they can come to you with anything. Your demeanor means everything in business, so being friendly and attentive to your team will make employees feel more comfortable talking to you, which in turn will reduce the risk of workplace injuries.
Provide the Right Equipment and Tools
For your staff to do their jobs correctly, they must be given the right protective gear and equipment. If you work in construction for instance, you mustn’t cut corners in terms of clothing and tools. Also, ensure all equipment is regularly inspected, serviced, and cleaned.
From the second employees’ clock into work, it’s your responsibility to ensure their health and safety are put first. Whether your team works at a computer desk or handles heavy machinery, the suggestions above will help in improving workplace safety.
