10 Simple Tips For Improving Workplace Safety
Did you know that workplace injury reached an all-time high in 2021?
According to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, the cost of debilitating workplace injuries and illnesses reached a startling $60 billion dollars last year. This is a dramatic increase from the year before and it’s only expected to rise even further.
Overexertion (lifting, pushing, holding, or carrying objects) is the leading workplace injury and it accounts for almost 25% of all workplace injuries. “Falls on the same level” is another major workplace injury that accounts for almost 20% of all injuries.
Despite these startling statistics, there are some easy steps that you can take in your workplace to create a safe workplace. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 tips that you can use to render your workplace a safer environment for all.
10 Workplace Safety Tips
Provide the proper safety equipment
Providing a safe workplace starts with the right safety equipment. The right equipment can keep your workplace safe from a number of hazardous conditions including falls, spills, fire, chemicals, high temperatures, and even viruses such as COVID-19.
Quality matters too. Make sure you’re buying all your safety gear and equipment from a trusted retailer like Zoro. Zoro provides everything you need to create a safe workplace like PPE, signs and labels, emergency medical supplies, and more. With the Zoro promo code featured on this page, you can even enjoy a major discount on all your purchases.
Reward employees for safety behavior
Want to encourage workplace safety? Then reward your employees for doing a good job. Giving out small incentives to your employees can motivate safe behaviors and reward people for a job well done.
Use clear labels and signs
One of the cheapest, yet most effective, safety measures is to properly label and sign everything. Even the most experienced employees can benefit from good reminders. Use signs to clearly label dangerous or hazardous materials.
Keep things clean
Keep your workplace clean at all times. A messy workplace leads to accidents and injuries. Implement protocols so that hazards like spills or unstacked boxes are dealt with right away before they lead to injury.
Conduct regular inspections
Make sure you’re investigating your workplace regularly to see if you can find any potential hazards before they lead to a problem. Hiring a professional inspection company can be a good preventive measure to take to discover hazards before they strike.
Encourage breaks
Tired employees are more likely to injure themselves while on the job. Make sure all employees are taking all their designated breaks to avoid worker burnout.
Implement safety protocols
The best way to prevent workplace injuries is to have proper safety protocols in place. These should be implemented from day one. Make sure each employee knows the safety protocols and have someone designated to ensure the employees are following them.
Implement stretching routines
If the work your employees undertake regularly is manual, consider implementing stretching routines. We all know that stretching can prevent injuries while exercising, and this is also true for physical jobs. Just 5 minutes of active stretching can help ease muscle tension and loosen joints, both of which may help reduce workplace injuries.
Keep your doors open
If you keep an open dialogue with your employees, then they can provide you with essential information in regards to workplace safety conditions. Designate a workplace safety captain that has regular meetings with the company leadership about safety in the workplace.
Have regular workplace safety meetings
Regular safety meetings are an easy way to make sure that everyone is prepared and knows the company safety protocol. Make these meetings a space where employees are allowed to freely express their concerns.
