Health and safety should be a priority for every business owner. Whether you have a small team or a huge network of offices with hundreds of employees, it’s essential to take good care of your team. In this informative guide, we’ll share some simple tips to optimize workplace health and safety.
Risk assessments
Risk assessments are designed to highlight and identify potential hazards to keep employees safe. Carry out regular risk assessments within the workplace and address issues as quickly as possible. Take steps to minimize the risk of injuries if your employees report problems or a routine assessment flags dangers. Make sure that your team has access to the relevant safety information and guidance and provide employees with the required protective equipment.
Workstation assessments
The average US employee spends around 36 hours per week at work. If you’re sitting at a desk or standing up for long periods, this can take its toll on the body. As an employer, it’s beneficial to ensure that your employees are comfortable and to be proactive in preventing aches and pains. Arrange for an ergonomic assessment and set up workstations that promote good posture. Providing adjustable chairs and desks, and office chairs that offer enhanced lumbar support, for example, can help to lower the risk of back, shoulder and neck pain. It’s important to prioritize comfort over style when designing your office. Your employees should be able to sit or stand with the spine straight and the shoulders relaxed. Using height-adjustable tables enables individuals to modify the position of the screen and keyboard to ensure they can type and read the screen without stretching or straining.
Training
Training is crucial when working to lower the risk of accidents. There are all kinds of courses and workshops that cover a wide range of occupational hazards and safety concerns. As a company boss, you should ensure that your employees have the relevant training to operate machinery or tools safely, recognize safety risks, access different environments and handle hazardous waste or chemicals, for example. Make sure you are up to speed with industry-specific training requirements and look for programs that are relevant to your business.
Policies and guidelines
Implementing health and safety policies and guidelines enables employers to go above and beyond to protect employees and maintain safe workplaces. Review policies frequently, respond to accidents and trends related to employee injuries or illnesses, and look for ways to make improvements. Seek advice from health and safety consultants and see what other companies within your sector are doing to minimize risks. Ensure that all your employees are aware of the guidance. Include briefings as part of your initiation, training and onboarding processes and update your team regularly.
Every employee should feel safe at work. If you run a business, health and safety should be a priority. Try to be proactive in preventing accidents and injuries and go the extra mile to protect your team and create safe, comfortable workplaces. Carry out regular risk assessments, assess workstations, provide employee training and implement health and safety policies and guidelines.
