Safe businesses are healthy businesses, so keeping your workplace safe is crucial to your team's well-being and productivity. Thankfully, workplace safety isn't rocket science and is easy to implement. Here are seven simple workplace safety tips that can improve your business today.
1. Check for Slip and Fall Hazards
Falls are among the most common workplace injuries. They're also among the easiest to prevent. Using non slip mats on slippery areas is one simple solution. Another is ensuring steps or other potential trip hazards are clearly marked. Encouraging your team to wear appropriate footwear could also keep them safe.
2. Keep Fire Exits Clear
This may sound obvious, but all too often, the space in front of “unused" fire doors gets co-opted for storage. This is fine until that fateful day you actually need to get out through that door. So don't fall for this temptation. Keep fire exits clear and clearly marked.
3. Implement Regular Housekeeping
Prevent stuff from occupying space it shouldn't by regularly eliminating clutter. This means making a commitment to regular housekeeping. Make it a habit to quickly dispose of unneeded items, such as broken equipment, office waste, and empty shipping boxes. These objects often become trip hazards or fire hazards if allowed to accumulate. Setting up a regular cleaning schedule (which in some workplaces, can be a rotating chore list for team members) will ensure your workplace stays orderly.
4. Promote a Culture of Safety
The most important factor in workplace safety is the human factor. Make sure your team knows 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 sick may pride themselves on their grit, but dozing off while driving or operating heavy equipment properly can lead to serious accidents. Workplace health programs can teach your team easy self-care strategies while reducing your accident risk.
6. Regularly Inspect Protective Gear and Personal Equipment
Protective gear, such as welder's goggles or safety harnesses, are your team's first line of defense against workplace hazards. But even the best gear can wear out over time. Make sure everyone's safety gear is regularly inspected. Also, don't hesitate to replace any items that are past their prime. The safety of your team may depend on it.
7. Have Written Safety Standards in Place
Smart managers know nothing gets done if it's not in writing. Make sure to write down all of your safety standards, and make sure that everyone on your team is familiar with them. Written standards also remind your team that workplace safety should be a top priority.
Work with a PEO for Work Comp Assistance
Partnering with a Professional Employer Organization, also known as a PEO provider, is an easy way to ensure your team stays safe. By acting as your combined payroll and human resources department, a PEO company helps you develop practical workplace policies. It also ensures you're in compliance with current OSHA regulations.
ELQ has over two decades of experience matching businesses to carefully vetted PEOs. Call us today or fill out our request form to learn more about how a PEO company can benefit your business.
