According to the HSE, the UK sees more than 100 workplace fatalities every year. Common causes of these fatalities include falling from a height, being struck by a moving vehicle or a moving object, contact with machinery during operation, and being trapped by a collapsing object.
Along with fatalities, workplace injuries occur more frequently than they should, and could be brought about by something as simple as forgetting to notify employees of a wet or slippery floor. The bottom line is that it is possible to prevent most accidents and injuries from occurring in the workplace. Here is some important information to keep in mind.
Maintaining workplace hygiene
In light of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it has never been more vital to maximise workplace hygiene. A lack of proper hygiene practices and standards can lead to the spread of illness. Along with frequent sanitising, it is also important to keep commonly touched surfaces clean, including light switches and door handles. Regular removal of debris and mopping of floors is also a must. If workplace hygiene is not up to par, workers should stand up for their rights and report the issues to their employers immediately.
Maintaining warning systems
Business owners should conduct weekly checks regarding the functioning of their establishment’s warning systems. These warning systems should be fully operational in the event of an emergency.
Training employees in safety protocol
It is not enough to invest in the right safety equipment and maintain strict hygiene practices. You should be dedicating time and resources to effectively training your employees in how best to use and care for their safety PPE equipment and how to react in the face of danger or when an accident takes place. Along with providing comprehensive training to new hires, it is also essential that businesses owners provide refresher training workshops at least every six months.
It can also help to post proper signage that details the relevant safety protocols and procedures to act as a daily reminder for members of staff.
Ensuring regular maintenance of safety equipment
Many types of safety equipment simply won’t work as effectively as it should if proper maintenance has not been conducted. Therefore, familiarise yourself and your team with the various recommendations and endeavour to adhere to the maintenance requirements.
Along with maintaining safety equipment, employers should also stick to vehicle maintenance requirements. Unsafe vehicles pose a danger to employees and to other members of the community. The great news is that proper vehicle maintenance promises to extend the lifespan of your company fleet, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Adopt an ‘open door’ policy
Make sure that your employees know that they can approach you with any safety concerns or problems that they may have. In many instances, employees notice potential hazards long before they become responsible for causing an accident but felt too nervous to report them.
Employee safety should always be a top priority and should involve daily inspections and management. If you are struggling to handle this aspect of your business, there are several solutions to consider, so be sure to do plenty of research to find one that ticks all the boxes. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
