Workplace safety is a critical concern for businesses. Employee injuries are incredibly damaging, both to the worker and the employer. By taking certain steps, you can make your workplace safer this winter and all year-round. If you don’t know where to begin, here are some tips that can help you get started.
Put Up All OSHA Required Documents
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that certain safety-oriented information be displayed in the workplace. Usually, this involves pinning up documents and posters on an employee information board. However, certain items might need to be in other locations, such as near relevant equipment or spaces.
Failing to comply with OSHA requirements can come with serious consequences. Along with making a workplace less safe, there are financial penalties to contend with, as well. Plus, you may be increasing your level of liability should an employee be injured on the job, and that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Create a Formal Business Safety Strategy
By having a formal business safety strategy, you are making your commitment to safety known. Plus, it ensures that you take a few critical steps to make your environment safer.
For example, you’ll need to assess your workplace’s history to determine your goals. Additionally, figuring out whether any risks or hazards currently exist and if your company is compliant with local and federal laws or regulations would be part of the process.
After conducting an analysis, you can develop an improvement plan. That way, you can focus your energies in the right areas.
Document Any and All Incidents
Documenting every incident, including near-misses, is essential. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to safety, but it also does more. First, it helps protect the company. By creating a written record, you can make sure that critical details are properly captured and that you are complying with applicable rules and regulations.
Second, it can make the workplace safer for your employees. Each incident could indicate that improvements are needed in certain areas. By thoroughly documenting every one, you can review the details to see if any changes are necessary to prevent something similar from happening again.
Update Your Policies Annually
Workplace safety policies shouldn’t stagnate. Not only do local and federal laws change regularly, but the introduction of new equipment, chemicals, safety equipment, and other items also alters the environment.
By reviewing and updating your policies and procedures on a yearly basis, you can make sure that they reflect your current situation. That way, you won’t be hindered by antiquated information or put your employees in harm’s way because you didn’t update the handbook.
Looking for a better hiring resource?
Ultimately, all of the tips above can help you ensure the safety of your employees. If you’d like to learn more, the skilled team at TRC Staffing Services can help. Contact us to discuss your questions with a member of our knowledgeable staff today and see how our workplace safety expertise can benefit you.
