February is National Time Management Month, and in an effort to speed up production, many supervisors push their employees to move faster. However, speed can contribute to mistakes, accidents and injuries.
Know the Risks
Evaluate your workplace for areas where employees rush through jobs and face potential dangers. Then create safety guidelines that protect employees and help them slow down.
For training and simulation resources that can help employees practice safe procedures, see Simulators/SafeAir Insurance.
Create Realistic Deadlines
Meeting production deadlines allows your company to remain profitable, but you don’t want to achieve this goal at the expense of your employees. Be realistic about deadlines and expectations so your employees can take their time, do the job right and avoid getting hurt or causing accidents.
Focus on One Thing
Rather than improving productivity, multitasking leads to mistakes, reduces focus and causes accidents. Remind employees to focus on one thing at a time to boost accuracy, productivity, creativity, and safety.
Require Breaks
Employees need to recharge and rest. A break allows them to step away from work and focus on something else for a few minutes.
They return to work energized and ready to tackle projects with renewed energy and improved safety.
Stretch Often
Frequent stretching boosts focus, prevents repetitive stress injuries, and relieves aches and pains. Include frequent stretch breaks throughout the workday.
Provide the Proper Equipment
Tools and equipment can improve efficiency. Give your employees access to the equipment they need to do their jobs safely, and be sure they receive training on how to use that equipment properly.
For resources on inspections and safety oversight, review Safety Inspector Insurance.
Reduce Overexertion
In the rush to complete projects or fulfill orders, employees may hurry while lifting, carrying or stacking objects. Overexertion can cause strains, pulls and other injuries to backs, wrists, elbows, and spines.
Prioritize safety with frequent reminders to slow down, use proper lifting techniques, limit the weight carried, and use a cart or other mechanism to help with heavy items.
Avoid Repetitive Motion
Performing the same motion over and over can cause stress, strain and other injuries. Employees must avoid repetitive motions as they accomplish their daily assignments.
They should use proper posture and take breaks to stay safe.
Encourage Sleep
Lack of sleep contributes to brain fog, lack of concentration, impaired judgment, and reduced reaction time. Working late and coming in early can be necessary in emergencies, but it shouldn’t be a habit.
Employees need a full night’s sleep to function fully at work during the day.
Your company’s Workers’ Compensation insurance can cover employee injuries that occur on the job. However, encourage your employees to slow down, and you can reduce accidents and promote safety in every department.
If you have questions about coverage or next steps, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can supervisors help employees slow down without hurting productivity?
Supervisors can set realistic deadlines, encourage single-tasking, schedule regular breaks, and provide the proper tools and training so work is done safely and efficiently.
What should I do if I notice employees rushing in a hazardous area?
Address the issue immediately by pausing the task if necessary, reviewing safe procedures with the team, and adjusting workload or staffing to remove the pressure to rush.
Are short, frequent breaks better than fewer long breaks for safety?
Yes; short, frequent breaks help reduce fatigue, improve focus, and lower the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
How does sleep affect workplace safety?
Poor sleep impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the chance of mistakes and accidents; employers should discourage habitual long hours that cut into sleep time.