Employees spend a majority of their waking hours at work, and as people are busy with their everyday tasks, it is easy to forget about safety procedures. Think about the last time you discussed workplace safety to your employees.
Do you gather and discuss it monthly? Quarterly? Annually? It’s easy to deprioritise workplace safety, yet so much is riding on it — the health of your employees, their productivity, and your company’s overall revenue.
According to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, the cost of disabling injuries and illnesses cost almost $60 billion in 2018 alone. A whopping $51.4 billion was spent on the top 10 injuries. Employers naturally shoulder these costs.
Want to minimise costs like these and avoid accidents in your workplace? Here are components to focus on in creating and keeping a safe working environment.
1. Floors
The first component that you have to be on the lookout for are the floors. Slip-resistant flooring is an investment that you won’t regret. This significantly reduces the risk of slippage and injury-sustaining falls.
There are a lot of choices to get slip-resistant flooring, but one of the most effective ones is asphalt rejuvenation. It would also be wise to keep floors clear of any debris, as this reduces the chances of tripping. If your enterprise uses a lot of liquids, always be aware of any spills or leaks.
2. Employee Training
Prevention is always better than cure. While it may sound cliché, this still holds true in workplace safety. Before operations, begin with comprehensive training for all your staff. Make sure that they have access to tools and resources that would make them safe during working hours.
In addition, train your staff on emergency procedures such as what to do when someone gets injured, when there’s fire, earthquake, or other natural calamities.
3. Lighting
Adequate indoor lighting is a must in all office areas. This prevents employees from straining their eyes or tripping in stairwells. Proper outdoor lighting should also be provided, especially in parking spaces and pathways.
You don’t want your guests and employees to be lost in your company’s premises, or worse encounter an accident as they go from one place to another.
4. Labels and Signs
Do you want a cheap and easy way to promote workplace safety? Labels and signs will exactly do this for you. When you utilise easy-to-read labels, you effectively and quickly communicate essential information to your staff.
Signs that make use of visuals and pictures also serve the same function and is effective for both experienced and beginner employees.
5. First-Aid Kits
When accidents do happen, it’s essential to have a well-stocked first aid kit. Make sure to take into consideration the most common injuries that may occur in the workplace and take the necessary preparations by purchasing medicines, disinfectant, and other first aid equipment.
Put said kits in conspicuous places and encourage your staff to use supplies in the kit even for minor injuries.
Safety in the workplace should be a top priority. Prevent accidents and injuries by establishing a comprehensive workplace safety procedure. Consider these essential components as you get started.