Whether you’re running a small business or a mega-corporation, workplace safety laws will always apply to you.
A well-executed workplace safety program may help minimize worker injuries, workers’ compensation claims, and other associated expenditures, like having to train new team members to sub in for hurt employees.
If you’re unfamiliar with the basics of workplace safety, you’ve come to the right place. Keep on reading as we break down the key factors of staying in compliance with workplace safety laws and keeping your employees safe.
Identify Hazards in the Workplace
When it comes to workplace safety, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
The safety precautions of an insurance agent and the proprietor of a construction firm are vastly different. Depending on the nature of your organization, you’ll need to tailor your safety measures accordingly. The first step is to identify any unique risks that your organization faces.
Go to each of your workers’ workplaces and inspect for any dangers. Don’t forget anything by noting them down now.
Initiate Safeguards and Safety Protocols
Now that you’ve identified the potential dangers in your workplace, it’s time to implement safety measures. Accidents may be lessened with the use of these measures.
They also demonstrate that you prioritize safety above everything else. You don’t have to start from scratch despite the fact that it may seem that way at first.
For example, one of OSHA’s many useful resources details which regulations apply to your workplace and offers pointers on how to comply with them.
Be Prepared for Any Emergency
The value of pushing beyond the anticipated dangers in your firm and thinking about unexpected difficulties is well worth the effort.
Having a disaster preparedness strategy in place isn’t something we want you to go to the extreme, but you should have one in place in case things go horribly wrong.
In the event of a fire, are all your staff aware of how to get out of the building? Do you have emergency exit indicators that are well lit?
Complying With Workplace Safety Laws: Create a Safety Manual
When it comes to safety, you can’t merely speak to your team about it. To ensure the safety of your employees, you must document all of your policies and procedures in writing.
Everyone will have access to them at any time, and you can ensure that everyone is familiar with the same set of rules. Distribute it to your employees as your safety handbook.
Make copies of your safety regulations for all of your staff once you’ve placed them in writing. If there are any questions, give them an opportunity to read them and ask. When it comes to safety, you want to be certain that everyone is on the same page.
Please don’t make the mistake of not reviewing these policies once you’ve prepared them. When it comes to business, safety isn’t a one-and-done issue. Instead, examine and update your policy on a regular basis.
Educate Employees on Proper Safety Procedures
You can do a lot to keep your workers safe by providing them with the proper training. In this way, they are able to better grasp the dangers of their work and how to prevent them.
We’re well aware of it. The time spent in training is time that might otherwise be spent earning a living.
You may not be aware of this, yet it has a much greater influence on your bottom line. Being without an employee for a few days, weeks, or even months due to an accident that might have been avoided. You don’t want it to happen at all.
To that end, be sure to provide safety training for all of your workers. Take advantage of OSHA’s free training collection, which includes a wide range of topics and formats.
Training isn’t only for novices. Refresher courses should be offered on a regular basis. Make sure everyone knows about the most recent industry-specific safety guidelines.
Use Resources from OSHA
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is responsible for enforcing workplace safety rules. OSHA regulations must be followed if you have workers.
OSHA.gov has a wealth of information to assist you in making your workplace a safer place to work. OSHA-approved safety courses are also available in your region. These resources might assist you in learning more about employee safety.
You’ll also want to invest in a high-quality Safety Data Sheet management software, like this online MSDS.
Be Mindful of Ergonomics
People’s physical interactions with their desks, computer, chair, and other workplace elements are studied in ergonomics. Employees can do their duties more easily and safely if their workplaces are equipped with the proper ergonomics.
Employees might be harmed if they overstretch or reach too far. This sort of injury may not seem life-threatening, but the effects may last a lifetime if not treated properly.
Many musculoskeletal illnesses have been related to employees overstraining their bodies on the job, including carpal tunnel syndrome, back discomfort, tendonitis, and other ailments.
It is your obligation as the employer to provide an ergonomic workplace and ensure that each employee has a place to work that they are happy with.
Give Regular Breaks to Your Employees
Tired workers make errors that may result in injuries or fatalities. You should ensure that your workers have frequent breaks. Taking a break from their desks and recharging their batteries is essential.
Providing nap rooms or quiet locations for staff to recuperate is another option worth exploring. Having access to these perks may aid them in avoiding burnout and maintaining concentration while at work.
Invest in Safety Gear and Equipment
In order to create a more secure working environment, you need to purchase some basic safety equipment. Your industry dictates which items are a must-have. A few items, however, should be kept on hand by every company:
- Smoke detectors
- First aid kits
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Exit signs
- Emergency lights
When looking for safety gear, be careful to pay attention to any industry-specific specifications. First aid supplies and fire detectors have OSHA listings.
Creating a Safe Workplace for All
If you’re new to the notion of workplace safety laws, things can be a bit overwhelming. But, we hope that our guide has shed some light on the topic.
Next step, you’ll want to check out our business and law sections for more tips and information that you can implement in your business today.
