According to the National Safety Council, someone is injured on the job every seven seconds. If you don’t want you or your employees to join this statistic, you’ll need to take certain precautions around your place of business. Here are just a few tips for improving workplace safety.
Handle Equipment with Care
Anyone operating a piece of heavy machinery should be fully briefed in the correct way to use it. Even if you only see the occasional bit of action with it, you should understand how it functions and how it can become dangerous in the wrong hands. You don’t need to memorize the entire instruction manual, but you should be familiar with its major parts and processes, and you should be aware of the most common operational hazards and how to avoid them.
Wear the Proper Gear
This might include everything from steel-toed boots on a construction site to leak-proof hazmat suits that will protect you from dangerous fumes in the lab. If you’re a supervisor, there should be a regular portion of the budget dedicated to new and improved safety gear. If you’re an employee, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask your supervisors for better protective clothing. In many places, companies are legally obligated to supply it.
Increase Employee Training
Training is important for several reasons. For starters, it can cut back on accidents when everyone knows how to handle their tools, move, and work with the correct techniques. It can also improve teamwork by bringing all workers up to speed and holding them to the same standards. Finally, it can prepare employees for emergency situations. If a worst case scenario comes to pass, training can make all of the difference in things like response times. Bringing in outside help to train your workforce to operate machinery, bend and lift, and administer emergency first aid can take your employees from trained to properly prepared for any situation.
Talk to a Lawyer
This can be helpful to both managers and employees. If you’re a manager, contacting lawyers can help you figure out how your company will be liable for things like slips, falls, and medical issues. This information can be used to improve workplace safety policies. If you’re an employee who has already been in an accident, a lawyer can represent your interests and help you seek compensation for the injuries that you received through no fault of your own. Either way, talking to a legal professional can help you see the big picture.
Accidents happen, but there’s no reason for them to happen with frequency or severity. Using these tips can help you and your workplace take the necessary steps to create a safe working environment for everyone.
