Workplace safety should be a top priority for every company. It’s basic business ethics. Furthermore, it’s hard to run a successful company if some employees are collecting worker’s compensation and others are quitting out of fear for their safety. Take these steps to make your facility both safer and more productive.
Listen to Employees
Nobody knows the hazards of the job better than the workers themselves. Still, countless business owners overlook the employees’ opinions when crafting their safety strategies, and they miss out on a wealth of information. Listen to what your workers have to say about safety. Actively seek out their input. Some companies even offer cash bonuses to workers who report safety risks. In addition, your employees will feel more valued if management welcomes their suggestions.
Hire Dedicated Safety Staff
Some companies assign safety inspection duties to supervisors or managers, but this is often inadequate. These individuals are usually too busy to cover the entire facility. Instead, hire a full-time safety manager who will dedicate his or her time to identifying and correcting dangerous situations in the workplace. Your ideal candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree in safety and demonstrate a good understanding of your industry.
Provide Safety Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a crucial tool for workplace safety. Your company should provide ear plugs, hard hats, safety glasses, welding jackets, and anything else that has been shown to reduce injury rates. Since every industry presents different hazards, be sure to supply PPE that is tailored to the purpose. PPE may seem like just another expense, but it delivers immense value by reducing the incidence of workers getting hurt on the job.
Go Above and Beyond
It’s not enough to simply comply with the minimum government safety standards and call it a day. These regulations do not cover every possible hazard in the workplace. A company must constantly search out their procedures for anything that could pose a safety risk, then work to eliminate that risk even if it is technically legal. Going the extra mile with safety will improve job satisfaction and bolster the company’s reputation.
Safety always pays off in a multitude of ways. You can boost productivity and improve employee satisfaction by taking your employees’ suggestions, hiring an experienced safety manager, giving workers the protective gear they need, and exceeding the bare minimum standards. Apply these simple ideas to your safety strategy today, and start reaping the benefits.