Workplace safety has become an integral part of every workplace. The reason behind this is simple: a safe workplace boosts employees’ well-being and productivity, maintains a reputation, and reduces talent.
In fact, workplace safety can even help you avoid costs like medical expenses or legal fees. So, investing in measures like safety boards for workplace is more than recommended to mitigate unforeseen expenses.
Plus, if you are operating in Edinburgh, you must comply with UK health and safety laws, primarily governed by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. These include Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Guidance, Local Authority Enforcement, and Industry-Specific Regulations.
Here are the best practices to follow to improve workplace safety.
#1 Implement safety protocols
The first thing you want to do is to implement safety protocols within an organization. For example, you can develop comprehensive safety policies. This, in turn, would outline procedures for identifying and reporting hazards, incidents, and near misses.
Another effective way is to introduce regular training sessions. During these mini-lectures, you can provide theoretical and practical lessons to your employees. By doing this, businesses ensure that they are on the same page with their workers and that everyone understands the protocol.
Health screening can also be a suitable option to check that no one presents a danger.
#2 Enhance awareness with visual tools
Recent studies show that 80% of the information we remember is visual, so utilise this to your benefit. For instance, safety boards should be used to visualise data such as critical safety, emergency procedures, and hazard warnings. At the same time, clear signage and markings should be used to alert employees about potential dangers.
Furthermore, safety posters and campaigns should be considered to communicate the message within the organization. In fact, this also prevents the phenomena of “poster blindness.” Employers must display the health and safety law poster in a prominent place where employees can see it
#3 Encorurage open communication
One of the most effective ways to promote safety in the workplace is to foster a culture of open communication. This means that employees are not afraid to share their opinions or concerns about one or another thing.
How do you do it? Start by establishing a system so that each worker can report safety issues without fear of retaliation. Then, you can host regular safety talks. This way, you can conduct regular discussions to address safety concerns and share experiences.
Remember to encourage employee involvement in safety initiatives to foster ownership and accountability. This is the key to such an approach.
#4 Provide safety resources
The last strategy (or approach) is providing all the resources employees may require. As an operating business, you want to make sure that personal protective equipment (also referred to as PPE) is available at any time as well as maintained in good condition.
This should be further enhanced with regular risk assessments. Many businesses, for example, conduct regular (monthly or quarterly) audits. That is exactly how they identify and mitigate potential, and in some cases, unforeseen, hazards.
Woihtout any doubt, take some time to prepare for emergency situation. Thhis can be a emergency response plan that you should follow when such situations arise.
Wrapping Up
Workplace safety is paramount, no matter in which type of organisation you are working. So, make sure to have the continuous improvement processes in order. Emphasise the need for ongoing efforts to enhance workplace safety culture.
And don’t forget about the benefits of improved safety for both sides – employees and employer. Highlight how improved safety can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.
Trust the process and you see yourself how your efforts pay off.
