Focusing on workplace safety does more than take care of your employee’s physical well-being. One large area that is improved by workplace safety is morale. Keeping your employees safe will improve morale and when employees are happy in their jobs, they will be more productive. A hazardous workplace is damaging to the company’s bottom line and can cause undue stress on employees. This stress will lower their productivity as a result. In this article, we’ll discuss workplace safety ideas.
What is Workplace Safety?
According to Inc. magazine, “Workplace safety refers to the working environment at a company and encompasses all factors that impact the health, safety, and well-being of employees.”.
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Health
This category has to do with physical health and includes risks like musculoskeletal disorders, back injuries, infectious diseases like COVID-19, and repetitive motion injuries.
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Safety
This has to do with the workplace, the equipment, and training. Employees need to be properly trained in safety procedures. They need to have all of the equipment they need to perform their jobs safely. Equipment needs to be regularly maintained. The workplace itself needs to be safe. This includes items such as non-slip mats, proper signage, reflective strips on stairs, and smoke detectors.
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Well-being
This category includes emotional well-being and includes emotional safety. Other aspects of well-being might include wellness challenges and other fitness-related activities that support overall employee health.
Tips to Improve Safety in the Workplace
Here are seven workplace safety tips.
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Conduct adequate training
Safety starts with training, whether you’re teaching someone how to use heavy machinery or how to sit properly at a desk. Comprehensive workplace training is the best way to avoid injury and damage to equipment.
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Incentivize safe behavior
Show your employees the value you put on safety by offering rewards for those who follow safety protocols. This is one way to keep employees engaged, and it can be simple and still be effective.
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Partner with occupational clinics
Occupational health professionals can help you create and maintain a safe working environment in a variety of ways. They provide valuable insight into workplace safety and injury prevention. By physically inspecting your workplace, they can identify safety hazards and make recommendations for solving these problem areas. Ergonomics is also a key area of expertise for occupational therapists. Most injuries have some form of repetitive motion or another such ergonomic risk factor. By working with an occupational health professional, you can help your employees prevent injuries, and resolve ones that have started or are fully present.
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Use proper signage
Everyone needs a reminder now and then, even the most experienced worker. Signs and labels are cheap and effective means of communicating important safety information and procedures. These signs act as precautionary measures and are especially important for workplaces with dangerous conditions or hazards.
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Keep things clean and organized
A messy workplace can be dangerous. The way boxes are stacked, and equipment is arranged can potentially be a safety hazard if it is messy and disorganized. Tangles of cords can be tripping hazards and disorganized tools on shelves could fall on someone. Preventing heavy items from falling on people or equipment needs to be a priority. A well-organized workplace is a safe workplace.
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Ensure each employee has the right tools and perform regular equipment inspections
The right tools for the job ensure safety as well as ease. Employees won’t need to use improper tools to get their jobs done, which is unsafe. A malfunctioning machine is one of the most dangerous workplace hazards. Perform regular maintenance on any machinery in the workplace. Not only does this improve workplace safety, but it can also prevent costly repairs.
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Encourage stretch breaks
In any industry, stretching regularly throughout the day is an effective way to reduce muscle tension from repetitive motions. Stretching also helps to lubricate joints and supports good posture while at work. Regular stretching will reduce the rate of repetitive motion and other ergonomic injuries.
Find Corporate Occupational Health Solutions from BHS
At BioFunctional Health Solutions (BHS) we are experts at helping organizations mitigate health risks in their industry. We leverage the latest technology and mobility healthcare trusted by professional athletes to revolutionize your organization’s occupational health. Our work safety ideas increase safety and productivity in any industry. From offices to industrial settings, we have the experience to help an organization like yours thrive by helping you to prevent common health risks and conditions. A safe workplace is a productive workplace and helps you save money associated with injuries and workers’ compensation claims. Whatever your industry, take advantage of our proven, customizable occupational health solutions. Contact us today to get started.