Safe businesses are healthy businesses, so keeping your workplace safe is crucial to your team’s well-being and productivity. Fortunately, workplace safety is not rocket science. Here are 7 simple workplace safety tips you can implement today.
1. Check for slip / fall hazards. Falls are among the most common workplace injuries. They are also among the easiest to prevent. Using non-slip mats in slippery areas is a simple solution. Another is to make sure that steps or other potential tripping hazards are clearly marked. Encouraging your team to wear proper footwear could also keep them safe.
2. Keep emergency exits clear. This may seem obvious, but all too often, the space in front of the “unused” fire doors is used for storage. This is fine until that fateful day when you really need to walk out that door. So don’t fall for this temptation. Keep emergency exits clear and clearly marked.
3. Implement regular cleaning. Prevent things from taking up space they shouldn’t by removing clutter regularly. This means committing to regular cleaning. Get in the habit of quickly disposing of unnecessary items like broken equipment or empty shipping boxes. These objects often become tripping or fire hazards if allowed to accumulate. Establishing a regular cleaning schedule (which in some workplaces can be a rotating to-do list for team members) will ensure that your workplace remains orderly.
4. Promote a culture of safety. The most important factor in job security is the human factor. Make sure your team knows that you put safety first. Encourage common sense safety practices, such as driving at sensible speeds.
5. Cultivate a healthy workplace. Team members who go to work tired or ill can take pride in their courage, but falling asleep while driving or operating heavy equipment properly can lead to serious accidents. Workplace health programs can teach your team simple self-care strategies while reducing the risk of accidents.
6. Periodically inspect protective equipment and personal equipment. Protective equipment, such as welding goggles or safety harnesses, is your team’s first line of defense against workplace hazards. But even the best equipment can wear out over time. Make sure everyone’s safety equipment is regularly inspected. Also, feel free to replace any items that are past their prime. The safety of your equipment may depend on it.
7. Have safety regulations in writing. Smart managers know that nothing is done if it is not in writing. Make sure you put your safety standards in writing and make sure everyone on your team is familiar with them. Written standards also remind your team that workplace safety must be a priority.
Partnering with a professional employer organization (PEO) is an easy way to ensure your equipment stays safe. Acting as your combined payroll and human resources department, a PEO company helps you develop practical workplace policies. It also ensures that it complies with current OSHA regulations.
