According to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, workplace injuries cost a total of $60 billion. There are thousands of injuries reported every other year. They include slips, falls, falling objects, cuts, electrocution, burns, vehicle accidents, and more.
While some accidents are unavoidable, every company needs appropriate plans to minimize them. Fewer accidents mean healthy and productive employees, which equates to more revenue for the company.
Every company must have business safety measures in place to keep employees safe and protect the business. Here are ten business safety measures every company must follow.
1. Train Employees on Safety Measures
Table of Contents
- 1. Train Employees on Safety Measures
- 2. Buy the Right Safety Equipment
- 3. Keep the Workplace Clean and Organized
- 4. Have Safety Protocols and Policies in Place
- 5. Take Good Care of Dangerous Materials
- 6. Allow Employees to Take Breaks
- 7. Hold Meetings to Discuss Business Safety
- 8. Understand Health Issues
- 9. Provide the Right Clothes for the Job
- 10. Use Labels and Signs
Every new employee in your company must undergo vigorous training on the job’s safety measures before they can start working. Proper training sessions are the first big step any business can make to prevent injuries at the workplace. Even employees who have been with the company for a while still need to undergo safety training.
You can consider calling in experts to train the employees on various safety drills for the job. They should know how to operate different machines and how to react in the event of an emergency, such as a fire outbreak.
2. Buy the Right Safety Equipment
Employees who are exposed to working in risky work environments need to have protective equipment. Employers in a variety of industries should educate employees about the importance of wearing protective equipment. An excellent first step would be to provide the necessary gear and train them how to use it properly. The right safety equipment will minimize their chances of getting injured at work. Some of the most common safety equipment at the workplace includes:
- First aid kits: medical-grade nitrile gloves, medical tapes, band-aids, sterile gauze pads, pain relievers, etc.
- Up-to-date fire extinguishers
- Working fire alarms
- Specialized equipment to help deal with hazards specific to your business
- Fire blankets
Some of the safety equipment, such as helmets,most comfortable work boots for men, and gloves, are also necessary. The equipment you need will depend on your type of business and the hazards that come with it. Always put the safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, in a strategic place where they’ll be easy to reach in case of a fire outbreak.
3. Keep the Workplace Clean and Organized
To ensure the safety of everyone coming in and out of your office premises, make sure everything is in its right place. The employees should return all their work equipment to their rightful places when they’re done working. Nothing should be on the way that can cause a collision or falls.
Also, ensure the cleanliness of the floors, countertops, and every surface within the business premises. Clean out any spills that can cause slips and falls. Keep the kitchen and bathroom clean to avoid bacteria and fungi growth that can cause infections.
4. Have Safety Protocols and Policies in Place
You should lay down security rules and policies from the first day you launch your business. Make sure you hire people who can pay attention to details and put their security on their hands. Ensure your employees can keenly follow the safety guidelines put in place.
Don’t forget to have safety data sheet compliance and make everyone adhere to it. Anybody that is not willing to follow the safety protocols should have no place in your company.
5. Take Good Care of Dangerous Materials
If your company deals with dangerous materials and chemicals, proper handling and storage are essential. Chemicals, dangerous machines, sharp objects, and poisonous substances need to be stored in the right place.
Label everything, so no one uses a dangerous chemical carelessly. Create instructions on how to handle every machine or chemical. Also, deny any authorized person access to machines or chemicals.
6. Allow Employees to Take Breaks
Some workplace injuries take place as a result of exhaustion. Everyone working for you should have breaks to stretch, take lunch, and freshen up. You should also give the employees paid leaves so they can relax at home and refresh their brain.
Stretches and exercises are essential to relieve tension and heal the muscles and joints from motion injuries. Encourage employees to always be on the move, so they remain healthy and strong.
7. Hold Meetings to Discuss Business Safety
Your company should find time to hold regular meetings with both stakeholders and lower-level employees to discuss the job’s safety requirements. This should be an opportunity to renew the rules and safety policies.
You should give your employees a chance in this meeting to air out their safety concerns. They should report any potential hazards, so you know areas to address before anything serious happens. Nominate a representative among the employees to report any safety concerns.
8. Understand Health Issues
Keep yourself informed about all the health issues that can affect your employees and cost your business. Such issues can include contagious diseases that can be a health problem for the entire organization. It could be cold or the flu that can interfere with the performance of your business.
Even if there’s an outbreak, your employees should feel that you care about their health. Make it clear that no one should come to work when sick, but still assure them of full payment even when they’re on sick leave.
9. Provide the Right Clothes for the Job
Safety in the workplace also depends on what your employees wear while at work. Like the equipment and tools, what you wear also depends on the nature of your work. Get appropriate clothing designed for the job and make sure employees can access them easily.
10. Use Labels and Signs
Signs and labels are essential to keeping your staff, customers, and everyone coming in and out of your company safe. Buy some labels and signs to indicate places with safety concerns. The signs should indicate slippery floors, poisonous chemicals, and all the necessary warnings.
Ensure there are reminders and warnings in every corner to alert people. You can also use picture signs to make the warnings more prominent.
Keep Your Workers Safe to Protect Your Business
As a business person, your workers are your responsibility, and you must ensure they’re safe. These ten business safety tips will keep everyone safe and protect your business. You must always know that is the joy of every employee is to know that you care about their health.
Feel free to go through the rest of the articles on this site for more helpful business tips.
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