When you’re growing your business, one of the major things to create is workplace accident prevention strategies as the last thing you need is a workplace accident or injury.
A single workplace accident can leave a big impact on your business. Between the medical bills, the lost productivity, all the workers’ compensation paperwork, and the low morale, the costs are high. Taking measures to ensure that your workplace is safe, cost effective and will improve employee morale, while also boosting productivity and having a positive impact on your bottom line.
Unfortunately, workplace injuries are all too common. While some workplace injuries will inevitably fall outside your realm of control, you can take certain steps to prevent unexpected incidents at your business. Use these workplace injury prevention tips to improve employee safety at your business.
Workplace safety tips to help in accident prevention is the best way to avoid these costs. Safety guidelines on how to prevent workplace accidents and protect the workforce.
Incorporate a safety and wellness plan
The foundation for a safe work environment is an effective accident prevention and wellness program. Implementing a formal workplace injury prevention program is key to identifying such risks.
Conduct pre placement physicals
Verifying that your potential employees have the professional experience and physical acumen to safely perform all of the duties required for the job can go a long way toward keeping workers safe. Some accidents are caused by inexperience and the inability to physically perform the position.
Educate employees and management staff frequently and effectively
Continually cultivate a safety standard among employees and management staff. Train employees about the importance of following safety measures as often as possible. Many occupational injuries and illnesses can be prevented through an established communication system.
Research safety vulnerabilities
Pay attention to common accidents and develop strategies to keep these setbacks from happening.
Provide protection equipment
PPE is necessary and should be enforced at hiring, meetings, and with impromptu monitoring. Take time to teach employees how to properly use goggles, face protection, gloves, hard hats, safety shoes, and earplugs or ear muffs. Also encourage the employees to attend industry safety workshops and classes.
Have adequate staffing levels
Most of the time, overtime hours are implemented because of low staffing levels. Overworked employees may suffer from exhaustion and cut corners to meet or exceed output. Hiring part-time or seasonal staff could help prevent accidents due to exhaustion.
Inspect and maintain all company vehicles
According to The Occupational Safety and Health Act findings, workplace driving accidents cost employers an average of $60 billion dollars a year. Maintenance should include monthly inspections and repairing vehicles as soon as possible.
Monitor safety measures
After initial training, reinforce safety measures at every opportunity, i.e. staff meetings, supervision, and education. Reward employees who abide by setting standards or staying injury free for a specified amount of time.
Keep an orderly workplace
Poor housekeeping can cause serious health and safety hazards. The layout of the workplace should have adequate footpath markings, be free of debris, and a stations for cleaning up spills. Make sure all instructions are clear and organized to prevent undue mishaps in the workplace.
Be prepared with workers’ compensation
Unfortunately, no matter how much you invest in health, safety, and training, accidents still happen, and a worker can still get injured on the job. When an accident occurs, be sure that you’re prepared by having adequate workers’ compensation coverage. If one of your employees becomes injured or sick while on the job, workers’ compensation insurance can pay for their medical expenses and rehabilitation costs.