As a business owner, you understand the importance of protecting your assets. Bank accounts, investments, vaults, and safety deposit boxes all secure the things we value. But what steps are you taking to safeguard your most vital resource—your employees?

Some precautions may seem obvious to the seasoned worker. But new hires may not understand that loose clothing is risky near conveyors or that certain tasks require special training. Plus, as policies and technology inevitably change, even longtime laborers may need a refresher on safety.

 

7 Strategic techniques to instantly increase the safety of every worker that walks through your doors.

1. Provide thorough safety training.

Don’t expect laborers to pick up necessary knowledge on the job. Before the employee starts his first day, provide superior safety training to ensure he has the best possible experience. Paid training is a plus.

2. Properly equip your employees.

While quality staffing companies provide the employees they send with essential PE, take responsibility to ensure all the workers on your premises have the proper equipment. These supplies should include appropriate tools and eye protection, leather gloves, or reflective gear.

3. Regularly inspect and replace defective equipment.

In tandem with the previous point, properly equipping laborers means keeping their gear in working order. Whether we’re discussing industrial can openers, power tools, or factory machinery, poorly maintained equipment is just an accident waiting to happen.

4. Identify and eliminate potential hazards.

For instance, spilled water and condensed steam in an industrial kitchen often create slipping hazards. Ceasing operations long enough to even up the floor and install strategic drains may seem like a bothersome expense, but it could save you both dollars and productive hours by averting inevitable accidents.

5. Respond immediately to employees’ hazard reports.

Remember that failing to act immediately may cost lives. Recent statistics chillingly underscore this thought. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 4,472 preventable work-related deaths occurred in the United States in 2021. Tragically, this figure has risen by 9% since the 2020 NSC report.

6. Implement regular written and verbal safety measure reminders.

Signs, posters, and verbal reminders are valuable. However, be sure to set up additional or updated training when necessary.

7. Create an incentive system that encourages following safety procedures.

Employees feel more motivated to comply with recommended practices when being safe is fun. For instance, a gift card, a recognition shirt or pin, or publishing high achievers’ names in a monthly newsletter may all prove rewarding to your workers.

 

While setting up an excellent safety network requires significant time and effort, the benefits will be worth it. For example, your company can –

  • Lower workers’ compensation costs because your facility will be a safe workplace.
  • Increase productivity since you will have less downtime caused by accidents.
  • Experience happier employees since workers will feel safer on the job.

With some forethought, you can boost your productivity and set the tone in your community for an accident-free workplace.