Providing a safe workplace is an
important part of reducing risk, as well as decreasing worker absenteeism and
keeping insurance premiums as low as possible. It's also the best way to make
sure you stay in line with standards and regulations established by the
Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and other regulatory
bodies. Use these tips to determine where safety improvements can be made in
your own company:
* Identify potential hazards. The first step in any workplace safety plan is to
identify problems that could cause accidents. Identifying potential hazards
requires a team effort so you can benefit from different viewpoints and
different experiences. Use what you learn to create a comprehensive safety plan
and review it often to make necessary changes.
* Get familiar with the laws. OSHA provides one set of regulations, but your
state, locality and even your industry provide regulations and guidelines aimed
at helping you keep your workplace as safe as possible. Know which laws apply
to you and make sure you adhere to them.
* Meet with your insurer. Make sure your business is properly classified so
you're not paying higher premiums than necessary. Your insurer can also provide
you with information about trends in workplace accidents and claims results to
help you pinpoint areas where you need to make improvements.
* Establish an emergency response protocol. Develop a plan detailing what to do
when an employee becomes injured. Mae sure emergency numbers are handy to all
employees, and keep a first aid kit well stocked with supplies. You may also
want to provide first aid training to your employees for added protection.
* Follow up. When an accident does occur, review how the issue was handled and
identify areas that need improvement to avoid a similar accident in the future.
Make changes to your safety protocol, determine if there's a need for new
safety training and keep written records of everything you do during follow-up.
When it comes to keeping your workers safe, forget the snappy logos and pithy
slogans, and instead take actions that can result in tangible, risk-lowering
results. Make safety a priority for all of your employees and hold everyone
accountable for their actions and their roles in safety implementation.