7 Workplace Safety Tips to Enhance the Working Environment
Workplace health and safety impacts employees and business owners. If health and safety is a top priority, is it possible to eliminate risks of accidents in the workplace?
Working together, employees and employers can develop and implement workplace safety strategies to reduce the number of safety incidents. Read on for 7 workplace safety tips to help you create a safety strategy for your workplace.
7 Workplace Safety Tips to Enhance the Working Environment
1. Report Accidents or Safety Incidents
OSHA keeps records of the most commonly reported safety citations, employees can be informed on what they are so they can be aware of what to look for. When an employee notices a violation of company safety procedures, they should say something, it could help to create an overall safer working environment.
2. Wear Proper Safety Equipment
Utilizing certain equipment may increase the risk of injury so it is important to protect yourself and ensure employees are following company protocols when it comes to wearing the recommended safety equipment.
If the work environment requires specific shoes to protect your feet, wear them. If you need eye protection, use it. Safety clothing, shoes, or other accessories may feel awkward but are there to protect you.
3. Always Follow Emergency Procedures
Every employee should know the fire escape route(s) so that they can safely evacuate the building in case a fire breaks out. Fire escape routes should be posted on the wall or in a highly visible area for employees to view in case a fire does occur, and employees need to evacuate.
If you work with hazardous materials, you should follow all proper protocols for handling them to reduce the risk of an incident from occurring. Provide employees adequate training and information about hazardous materials and know where hazardous materials are located. You should also label materials especially if they are hazardous.
4. Only Operate Authorized Machines and Tools
Make sure that only employees that are properly trained to utilize tools and machines are the ones utilizing them. One way that could guarantee this is to create an onboarding process to train a new employee when they are hired.
If the new employee intends to utilize certain tools and machines make sure they are properly trained to use it. This will ensure they have the knowledge and skills to use the equipment and it may help to reduce unnecessary accidents.
5. Keep Your Work Area Clean
Being neat and organized could help to keep you safe. A cluttered and messy workplace may lead to avoidable accidents. Properly clean your work areas and put tools or other items used for your job in their place.
6. Take Breaks
Employers give breaks for a reason. Everyone needs them. Taking a break can help to rejuvenate your mind which can keep you more alert. A break can be a healthy way to be a better employee and may help employees feel less stressed while working.
7. Conduct Safety Meetings and Training
Safety meetings and training should be a priority in the workplace. If your employer does not offer them, do not be shy! Volunteer to lead one.
Workplace safety meetings are the perfect environment to discuss safety topics. Providing safety examples at meetings may help to educate and encourage workplace safety. OSHA is also a tremendous resource for all things related to workplace safety.
Aim to host monthly meetings to discuss safety strategies. If employees regularly attend safety meetings and trainings, they can take their knowledge to their workspace and may know what to look out for to avoid potential accidents that could put them or others in danger.
Safety Teamwork
Having a workplace safety strategy for everyone to follow fosters teamwork. It is not the responsibility of one person, but rather a team effort. For each employee and employer that commits to being safe and following the rules, your workplace may be one step closer to a stronger and safer work environment.
If we all work together to make sure we are safe, there is a high likelihood that collectively the workplace will stay safer.
Staying Safe in The Workplace
Following the 7 tips above is a strong start to a successful workplace safety strategy that all can participate in. When everyone follows the safety strategy it may create a safer working environment. However, accidents still happen. Business insurance could help in case an unexpected accident occurs.
At PolicySweet®, we specialize in Business Owners Policy (BOP) and Workers' Compensation coverage. We help employers get the coverage they need to help protect their business and employees.
Got questions about business insurance? Great, because we can answer them and help come up with solutions for your business. Contact us today, we will get you on the right track or complete a quote today.