The best way to reduce workplace accidents is to take proactive preventive measures. As the saying goes, "Prevention is better than cure". There are many ways to prevent accidents, but in doing so, you must be consistent, and clearly state what your expectations are. If you want to succeed in reducing workplace accidents, consider the following list of safety suggestions.
Step
Part 1 of 2: General Policy
Step 1. Prepare formal safety policies and procedures
Make a company manual that contains steps that must be taken to prevent accidents in the workplace. The manual should include instructions such as how to store hazardous and toxic goods or where certain products should be placed to ensure safe storage and retrieval.
Step 2. Appoint someone to be responsible for safety at your company
Discuss current safety policies with the safety coordinator, and develop a plan to ensure they are adhered to. Ensure that the safety coordinator is aware of all safety-related responsibilities. Express your support to the person and schedule regular meetings to discuss issues and find safety solutions to prevent further accidents.
Step 3. Communicate your expectations for creating a safe work environment
Tell staff regularly that safety is a top concern in your company. You can convey this verbally, and then reaffirm those expectations in a memo. You can also post safety information everywhere in your company.
- Don't just talk, but act according to the policies that have been set. If someone faces a safety hazard, act immediately to correct it. Don't wait for the danger to go away on its own or expect someone else to handle it.
- Ask your employees if they have any suggestions for improving workplace safety. Having one safety coordinator is of course very useful, but the help of several pairs of eyes and ears is always better than relying on just one person. Create anonymous input forms so employees can fill them out freely and confidentially.
Step 4. Check your office building regularly with the safety coordinator
Ensure that your staff adhere to workplace safety policies. Examine areas requiring attention and ensure precautions have been taken. If you see something that raises concern, discuss it with the person in charge, then set up a meeting with the entire staff to communicate the concern and ensure the situation doesn't happen again.
Step 5. Provide the right equipment so that you or your employees don't have to improvise using items that are not properly designated
If you ask your employees to improvise often you don't take safety issues seriously.
For example, if you have a storage area filled with tall shelves, make sure you provide a safe ladder or step-stool so that you or your employees don't have to climb over piles of boxes to get things
Step 6. Schedule regular training for all possible accidents that may pose a risk
Training should include methods on lifting and carrying heavy objects and how to use mechanical equipment or tools.
- The type of training must be tailored to the type of business you run. Some businesses such as restaurants and warehouse facilities will require more training than other types of businesses.
- Training should be scheduled for all new employees and all employees once a year. Employees may find this kind of training a hassle, but they should be made aware that the company takes their health and safety seriously.
Part 2 of 2: Special Policies
Step 1. Prepare for fires at work
Fires are catastrophic with the potential to lead to destruction, putting many businesses, especially restaurants, in danger. Ensure that your workplace has good fire protection to minimize accidents:
- Make sure the smoke detector is installed and equipped with batteries.
- Make sure fire extinguishers are available and properly stocked. Ask the fire service, if necessary, to provide training on how to use a fire extinguisher.
- Plan an escape route. Know where your nearest exit is and the quickest way for employees to access it.
Step 2. Consider investing in first aid training or, at the very least, first aid kit
First aid training won't prevent accidents from happening, but it can help prevent injuries that arise as long as accidents don't grow out of control.
Purchase a first aid kit for each floor in your workplace. Place the equipment in a strategic central location so that it can be easily accessed
Step 3. Make an incident report every time an accident occurs in the workplace
If an accident occurs in your workplace, write an incident report. Investigate what happened, who was involved, how the accident could have been prevented, and make recommendations for further procedures. At the very least, incident reports will raise awareness and can also serve as a deterrent to future accidents.
Step 4. Ensure that the entry and exit points of your workplace are functioning properly and are easily accessible
If your employees need to get out of the building quickly, make sure their exit is not blocked by large or immovable objects. This is not only a violation in the workplace, but also has the potential to be a matter of life and death.
Step 5. Create appropriate signs and instructions to clearly mark potential safety issues
If an electrician is laying wiring in an area of the workplace, or if a worker is carrying out construction on a railing, inform all employees via memo and place the correct and clearly visible signage near where the accident is likely to occur. Don't assume that people will be smart enough and take precautions themselves. Convey this information to them in simple and clear words.
