How Can You Create a Safe Work Environment?
Creating a safe work environment has always been important. Running a company means prioritizing employee wellness and working hard at preventing accidents.
Earlier this year, OSHA announced that they will more aggressively pursue workplace safety regulations. For your business, that could mean an increase in safety checks and higher stakes if OSHA guidelines aren’t met.
What measures can you take to increase workplace safety? What should you focus on if you know you aren’t meeting today’s safety standards?
Read on for our quick guide to creating a safe work environment.
Provide Proper Training
If you expect employees to work in hazardous conditions, you need to arm them with knowledge. Even when you hire someone with relevant work experience, you should take several days or weeks to train them on your facility’s equipment and protocol. Even one person that doesn’t know the rules can compromise everyone else’s safety.
Make Safety Resources Accessible
Even once you’ve rejuvenated your training program, you should remind everyone of the safety rules often. The best way to do so on a daily basis is to hang visual aids and make safety resources available. You can hang OSHA’s free safety posters around your property, buy digital signage for updates and warnings, and find online MSDS sheets available here.
Invest in the Proper Equipment
If your employees work with hazardous materials or face hazardous conditions, you need to give them proper PPE. This includes eye protection, respiratory protection, and skin protection. Learn more about PPE in the workplace with Protex AI’s guide.
If you work with heavy machinery, commit to regular inspections. Maintain and replace machinery as needed to reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
Abide By Labor Laws
There is a reason why labor laws and regulations exist. Government agencies and private organizations have done the research to decide what is and isn’t safe in your industry, and it’s up to you to enforce those protocols. Do not understaff, run your business without proper oversight, or schedule your employees beyond the recommended maximum hours.
Form a Safety Committee
When you’re running a company, you can’t be everywhere at once. You can’t monitor all stages of your company’s workflow or personally oversee all inspections. It’s best to delegate these duties to make sure they’re prioritized.
Form a safety committee within your company, putting a handful of trustworthy employees in charge of safety compliance. You can meet with the safety committee each week or month to discuss any issues or safer practices worth considering.
Create a Safe Work Environment in 2023
As a business leader, it’s up to you to keep your employees safe. Use this guide to create a safe work environment in 2023. Not only is this better for your employees but it’s crucial for the success of your business.
Looking for more ways to improve your business in 2023? Take a look at our business and financial section to learn the latest business news, marketing trends, and industry changes.
