Are you concerned that workplace accidents are threatening your employee’s safety? If so, congratulations. That means you care about the well-being of your employees.
After all, lost time on the job leads to lost revenue. In the long term, it also has the potential to ruin your work culture by causing employee burnout.
While it’s impossible to make your workplace 100% safe, there is plenty you can do to reduce the risk of workplace accidents. Following the safety protocols in this guide can limit workplace injury and save the time and money you would have otherwise lost to employee injury.
Train Employees
Health and safety training is essential to prevent accidents at work. Employees must understand the importance of following all safety guidelines and rules. Some of the safety protocols employees should be trained on include:
- using appropriate PPE
- being aware of their surroundings
- disposing of hazardous materials safely
- recognizing potential safety hazards
- proper use of tools and equipment
- emergency procedures
- evaluating risks
These safety protocols would enable employees to be better prepared for workplace accidents. It can help manage any risks of serious injury.
Provide Proper Safety Gear and Equipment
Providing proper safety gear and equipment in the workplace is also essential. Employees must be aware of the safety protocols they need to follow and the available safety equipment.
All employees must be given adequately fitting and appropriate safety wear such as gloves, goggles, helmets, and other protective clothing. Also, regularly inspect the safety equipment to make sure it is in proper working condition.
Provide Adequate Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential for workplace safety. Make sure all lighting fixtures are properly functioning and provide a sufficient amount of light for safety. Check that light switches are in working order and are easily accessible. Check all outside lighting and adjust by the time of day.
Use Warning Signs
Warning and safety signs should be placed around potential hazards, including wet floors, machinery, or high-traffic areas. These signs should communicate the potential risks in the area and any mandatory safety precautions that must be taken. Signs should also be implemented where escape routes must be followed in an emergency.
Have a First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit in the workplace is essential to ensure workplace safety. A first aid kit should contain basic items such as antiseptic wipes, band-aids, absorbent bandages, splints, burn gel, etc.
The kit should be clearly labeled and easily accessible to workers in emergencies. It is important to ensure that the items in the first aid kit are regularly checked and replaced when expired or no longer usable.
All employees should be trained on the safe use of the kit and instructed on the proper protocols to follow when a workplace accident occurs. It is also essential that there is personnel certified to perform first aid and CPR. So it’s best to send them off to programs like MyCPR NOW.
Prevent and Manage Workplace Accidents
Workplace safety protocols should be established and enforced to help prevent and manage workplace accidents. As an employer, creating a safety committee or plan that considers all the safety protocols needed to keep employees safe is best.
Implementing and following these protocols can go a long way toward protecting employees. Start today by assessing your workplace’s safety needs and implementing the safety protocols that best address them.
Did you find this information helpful? If you did, check out the rest of our site for more informative articles.