Employee safety at work is essential. So how can you make your work environment healthier, happier and generally risk-free for your employees, and for everyone who visits your premises? These tips will all help.
Build a safety culture
Workplace safety encompasses everything from culture to specific risk-management products, such as https://www.emtek.co.uk/safety-barriers/workplace-safety/. But the starting point is generally the culture which you create around health and safety. Remember that people love to be involved, and also a sense of ‘gamification’ or reward can motivate even the most cynical employees – because who doesn’t love a perk? Reward employees who adhere to your agreed safety protocols and nudge those who don’t. You’ll find that this helps to shift behaviour surprisingly fast.
Provide the right kit
One of the central tenets of H&S at work is that the onus is on employers to provide the necessary equipment and tools for employees to do their work. At the same time, the right training must be provided. All equipment needs to be carefully maintained, with regular cleaning, inspection and document keeping, so that they are fit for purpose. This commitment also shows your staff that you value them.
Keep everything clean and tidy
It’s basic but it’s also essential! Empty bins, keep surfaces clean of clutter, clean up spills as they happen and remove items from the floor. Use your team to help identify dangers that could range from leaking roofs and dysfunctional air conditioning units to tangled or dangling cords. Encourage everyone to leave their working areas clean and tidy at the end of the day.
Encourage regular breaks
When workers become tired, accidents happen. Encourage your staff to take regular breaks to stretch, move, chat and generally relax for a few minutes. This can greatly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries at work. Even a ten-minute break can recharge your workers, so they are ready for the next job.
Try these steps and you should see your health and safety record greatly improve, as you create a healthy, happy and productive working culture.