In 2018, there were almost 1 million workplace injuries and illnesses. From retail to construction, injuries occur at every occupation.
Workplace safety knowledge is essential for creating a safer workplace for everyone. How do you create a safe working environment, though?
Keep reading for a quick guide that provides ideas to promote safety in the workplace.
How Do You Create a Safe Working Environment?
One of the most integral steps, while you’re implementing workplace safety ideas, is to plan. You must have a plan in place of how you’re going to make sure your workplace is safe, and to keep it that way.
Let’s take a look at all the safety ideas involved in the ongoing planning process.
Eliminate Any Potential Hazards
One of the first steps is eliminating any potential hazards. Make sure your space complies with OSHA standards, regulations, and rules.
Encourage your employees to identify and report any potential issues and violations. Make sure the steps for reporting are clear and accessible.
Make Sure You’re Using the Proper Equipment
It’s crucial to ensure your employees have safe equipment and tools to use, all of which are properly maintained. You can use workplace digital signage to reinforce injury prevention.
If you have heavy machinery, use machine guarding. Ensure professional handling of any hazardous materials. Ensure that all your equipment is cleaned, inspected, and serviced regularly.
Some of the most detrimental workplace accidents occur as a result of machine malfunctions.
Use Signage and Messages
Use labels, posters, signs, and color codes to warn employees and customers of potential hazards. Hang OHSA posters in recreational areas. Use digital signage or additional posters to provide pertinent safety information, such as updates and messages.
Digital signage provides extra safety because if there is an emergency, you can use signage to notify or warn workers of a situation instantly. This is especially helpful in areas where phones aren’t allowed or don’t receive adequate service.
You can use the same signage to recognize employees for their compliance and outstanding awareness.
Encourage Employees to Take Stretch Breaks
Stretch breaks improve employee health and workplace ergonomics.
Encourage your employees to take at least a 5-minute stretch break every hour as doing so can reduce the potential for repetitive motion injuries. Stretching and moving around helps to loosen joints and ease tension.
Train Your Employees
Training employees on workplace safety is a must if you want to prevent injuries and illnesses.
Safety training must be available using a language all employees can understand. It should be given to new workers in addition to refresher courses for existing employees.
Make sure that your employees always have access to safety training for their positions. Make sure your workplace meetings include valuable, worthwhile information by taking advantage of these safety training topics.
Create a Safe Working Environment Before There’s an Accident
How do you create a safe working environment? The first step is to eliminate hazards and develop a plan to ensure workplace safety and keep it up to date.
Make sure your employees are properly trained and that there’s room for communication. Stay up to date with inspections and maintenance.
If you enjoyed this article, check back daily for more business tips and ideas for an optimal work environment.
