According to a 2019 study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 3 million people were injured while at their workplaces. Unfortunately, 5,200 employees succumbed due to work-related accidents in the same year. The safety of employees at work is of great importance; employers should ensure their business adheres to the relevant guidelines that are provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Every business should have the right employee safety equipment to facilitate maximum protection. Still, safety is a collaborative effort that requires the input of everyone. One of the ways you can improve the working condition in your organization is by bringing together your employees, safety experts, and the management to create a safety plan. The final product of the safety plan would ensure everyone within the premises is safe. The following are some of the strategies that can be implemented to make workplaces safer for employees.
Consult the Fire Department
The majority of fire cases that occur in businesses can easily be avoided if due diligence is instituted. Employers should arrange regular inspection that is conducted by a local fire marshal who can analyze to see whether the business complies with the fire and safety regulations. The marshal should also point out the areas that need to be upgraded and recommend the best strategies. Workplaces should always have sufficient fire extinguishers, as well as appropriate signs such as fire assembly points and exit signs that are well lit.
Security Consultant
Security is part of the safety protocol; thus, it should be tackled in greater detail. Seeking the advice of a security expert can help you secure your business and eliminate potential assaults that may leave your employees injured. The security expert will give you proper advice on the type of equipment you need to install.
Employee Safety Committee
Forming an employee safety committee is an excellent way of implementing health and safety protocols. You can ask a few of your employees to volunteer and form a committee whose work would be to identify the areas of the business that needs to be improved and provide their recommendation. You can ask the committee to note all the scenarios that could be potentially dangerous such as loose electrical wires, lack of guardrails on particular stairwells, and uneven flooring. Additionally, it’s important to equip your business with the necessary first aid materials that can help save the life of your workers.
Providing the Necessary Training
Before you hire any employee, ensure the person is properly trained for the job; this will prevent cases where workers accidentally hurt themselves or those working around them. Providing regular refresher courses is vital to guarantee that every worker understands and remembers all the safety protocols. Ensure all your employees sign the relevant forms showing that they have read and clearly understood the safety manuals given to them. Moreover, you should also perform occasional drills every year to gauge their level of preparedness. Drills can give you a proper understanding of what needs to be improved.
Health Protocols Provided by the CDC
In particular instances, the CDC usually gives guidelines that need to be followed to ensure the safety of people in workplaces. As the world is grappling with the effects of COVID 19, the CDC has given out several guidelines that ought to be followed to prevent the spread of the deadly disease. Besides having proper signage, employers should ensure their business premises are regularly sprayed. Moreover, wearing masks, social distancing, and regular hand washing should also be followed.
Final Thoughts
The life of every employee is vital; ergo, proper safety protocols should be implemented to prevent injuries or fatalities.