Severe illnesses and disabling or fatal injuries amount to billions of dollars annually, causing emotional strain and financial stress to everyone involved. Also, the phenomenon is prevalent in all industries, from retail and hospitality to construction and healthcare. Invariably, investing in proper safety measures is pivotal for any business in the modern world.
The main idea is to create a safe working space where employees can give their productive best without worrying about sustaining grievous injuries or illnesses. The following safety tips can help new business owners begin in the right direction, helping them ensure all their employees can work amid little to no safety risks.
Train workers to observe caution
When it comes to occupational security, many organizations assume that installing the latest and proper equipment to prevent falls and other unfortunate mishaps is enough. However, training employees to be careful in every role is essential, too, as it will ensure their responsibility toward the same goal.
You can use drills, team collaboration, and similar tools to help your workers understand the importance of a safe work environment. Additionally, you can incentivize them with rewards for accurate precautionary measures while encouraging them to inform the management about others who neglect to do the same.
Have workers’ compensation
Although much research has been done on fall prevention practices, not everything is always foolproof. That’s why it is prudent to invest in solid workers’ comp policy that can cover medical costs, lost wages, disability benefits, and similar expenses for injured workers.
Also, it can protect you from liability cases wherein a disgruntled employee might falsely allege an occupational injury due to negligence by the organization. So, look for a reputable and experienced insurer providing the best possible premiums at affordable rates, allowing your business to run smoothly with the assurance of a robust insurance plan.
Go beyond the office space
One of the most significant, and perhaps the most important, safety tips is to take proper precautions outside the job site. Consider your office parking lot a prime example of this scenario, where hundreds, if not thousands, of employees pass through various automobiles daily. In other words, it can be a prime spot for potential workplace hazards such as collisions and run-overs.
So, begin by forming a core team of experts who can ensure adequate lighting and facilitate clear and free traffic flow, reducing the risk of accidents. Then, you can check if potholes or shrub and tree debris might pose additional risks and address them appropriately. Ensuring pavement cracks are filled and sealed neatly is also pivotal.
Finally, pay special attention to weather updates and be prepared likewise. For instance, consider deicing agents and shoveling walkways during snowy conditions, or else workers could slip and fall due to wet patches.
Be aware of new measures
A surefire way to stay on top of workplace safety is to know about every new protocol and equipment. For example, there could be a new device to ensure that emergency staircases are free of all traffic more effectively than random manual checks.
Lastly, adding proper signage at the right places can help as it lets people passing by know that they need to be extra cautious in this area. Spaces with automated conveyor belts, heavy machinery, massive trolleys, and similar items are a good place to start.
