Piece by Piece: 4 targeted ways to build a safer workplace

Have you noticed safety shortcomings in your workplace? Do you want to remedy them? Do you know where to start? If not, then this article is for you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, in their most recent report, found that work-related deaths are at an all time high. If your workplace is skimping on safety, then you are contributing to the problem. Safety is not a negotiable topic. If you searching for ideas on which to build the culture of safety in your workplace, then keep reading!

Hazard Assessments

Before any substantial changes are made it is important to identify exactly where changes need to take place. This is the time for a hazard assessment. Hazards can lurk in even the simplest of processes. It may only be a slight movement, lack of concentration, or brief loss of awareness that causes a workplace injury or fatality.

Keeping records on workplace accidents is essential in identifying where accidents often occur. Hazard assessments then analyze this data, and determine where they may be a hitch in your workplace protocol. For example, if a number of workers are suffering from back injuries, then there may be an issue with the way employees are lifting heavy boxes, equipment, or otherwise carrying out their duties. Tracing the number of injuries can help identify their origin. From there, changes can be made.

Employee Wellness Program

A workplace that is serious about employee safety will also be serious about employee health. Physically and mentally healthy employees will not only perform better on the job, but they will help reduce workers compensation claims. Financially, healthy employees have less impact on the budget than unhealthy ones. Of course, implementing an employee wellness program would take some financial resources. However, over time the benefits would outweigh the cost.

Employee wellness programs seek to improve workplace safety and health through promoting healthy choices throughout the workplace. Diet, exercise, and rest are the backbone of employee wellness. Employers can create a culture of wellness by making minor changes in the workplace. Providing healthy food options like fruit and nuts and starting small group exercise sessions are great places to start. Some local gyms may even provide a company rate for employee memberships. Contacting nearby fitness centers and establishing a company membership can help get your employees to the gym! Finally, training on the importance of sleep, diet, and exercise, will give employees insight on how crucial their health is; not only to the company, but to their individual wellbeing as well.

Employee Feedback

Arguably, the voices of the employees in your workplace are the most crucial element in building a culture of safety. Employers should value employee feedback above all else. Employee Perception surveys are absolutely invaluable when it comes to garnering the thoughts and ideas of workers. Occupational safety is about creating a culture where everyone involved feels as though the company has their best interests at heart. So, give your employees a voice.

Employee Perception surveys have varying degrees of depth and focus. There are four different types of surveys to fit your needs and desires. EP surveys will help employers gauge the effectiveness of current safety protocols, identify employee concerns, and open lines of communication between upper management and the workforce.

Inclusivity

One final way to beef up the safety culture in your workplace is through culture-building safety items and programs. These kinds of items and programs are any that promote safety in the workplace, and include the workforce in monitoring and engaging the safety-oriented culture. Safety scoreboards, for example, are a great way to bring employees into the fold of bettering workplace safety. These scoreboards will track the number of days since the last accident occurred, and act as a constant reminder and morale boost for employees.

A program that can propel the culture of safety in your workplace is one that acknowledges safety success in the workplace. Employers need to be aware of the successes that are made by employees. Recognition of safe work actions and leadership in the workplace should be acknowledged. If you want to see an increase in safety-oriented behavior, then that kind of behavior needs to be rewarded and encouraged.

This article offers a few ways in which employers can promote a safety-first culture within their work environment. The employer’s responsibility is to do something. If your company is stagnant in the realm of occupational safety, then you need to make changes. There is always room for improvement. Consider the tips above as you seek to ensure your company puts safety first.