Keeping your workplace safe is key to your staff’s health and well-being. Work related illnesses and injuries can take a huge toll on your business and your employee’s sense of security. There are steps that you can take today to ensure that your workplace remains a safe and healthy place for your staff.
Consider the Environment
Environmental factors can cause unexpected illness and hazards in the workplace. One of the most important steps you can take is to ensure that your staff is not exposed to environmental hazards like harmful chemicals and other biohazards. Provide them with a well-lit and well-ventilated workspace that will allow them to complete their work efficiently.
Consider testing the air quality on a regular basis to ensure that you are not introducing allergens or other toxins into your workplace. Nearby construction sites, factories in the area and other biohazards can mean employee sickness and absenteeism. If your employees seem to be getting sick more than usual, consider rapid diagnostic tests that will reveal the source of the illness.
Workplace Safety
On the job injuries are common and can cost the company in lost productivity and financial liability. Create a plan of action to help your employees in the event of fire, terrorism or natural disaster. Conduct periodic safety drills to help your staff familiarize themselves with the various means of exit if necessary. Provide them with “go packs,” which are safety kits that contain survival items like whistles, reflective tape, drinking water, energy bars, blankets and flashlights. Your employees can store these at their desks in case of emergency.
Conduct safety training that teaches your staff how to take responsibility for their own safety on the job. They should understand proper lifting techniques, how to handle hazardous materials and other important safety procedures. Teach them how to react in an active shooter situation or other violent encounter.
For a small business, having employee injury or illness can be financially devastating. It can mean:
-Increased costs of finding and hiring new employees
-Increased costs of worker’s compensation
-Lost work time
-Decreased employee morale
-Poor performance and loss of productivity
Developing a plan to keep your employees safe and healthy is good for everyone. Create a plan that ensures an environmentally safe workplace and one that is free of physical hazards. Not only will you keep your staff happy, you will enjoy greater profits in the long run.