Top tips for improving workplace safety

Image credit: Oliver Hale from Unsplash

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, it may feel as though you have had more conversations about workplace safety than ever before. This is due to the fact that our general perceptions of wellness (in and out of work) have changed dramatically during this period. However, while there are various steps you can take to ensure that your workspace is COVID-19 friendly - such as enforcing social distancing and handwashing stations - you should also ensure that the rest of your workplace safety is up to scratch.

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to improve workplace safety. 

• Per government guidelines, you should ensure that all employees receive the appropriate health and safety training when they join your team. You should also ensure that several staff members are first-aid trained so that they can respond to any on-site accidents quickly and efficiently - and reach out for additional help when necessary. 
• Studies suggest that the majority of workplace accidents are caused by poorly maintained workspaces. For example, cluttered workplaces or spillages form major tripping hazards - which are a cause for concern in any workspace. As a result, you should look into industrial cleaning services that can help you keep your factories clean and clutter-free. 
• Install signage throughout your building that encourages employees to follow all health and safety protocols. For example, right now, you may want to include signs that discuss covid-protocols so that your employees have something to refer to when necessary. However, you should also ensure the appropriate signage is installed in busy areas or close to dangerous machinery. 
• When introducing employees to new equipment, ensure that they receive the appropriate training ahead of time instead of expecting them to learn on the job. No employee should be allowed to use equipment that they do not have prior knowledge of. 
• Believe it or not, employee morale can also have an impact on how safe your workplace is. This is due to the fact that feelings of anger and frustration, and even boredom often result in poor focus. As a result, accidents are much more likely to occur than they would in an environment where employees are relaxed. Therefore, you should ensure that you also make a real effort to keep your employees happy. This will help you improve your workplace safety while also ensuring that staff stop procrastinating.
• Ensure that employees have access to the appropriate safety gear and equipment required of them to do their job safely. For example, in a construction company, this could include items such as hard hats and high-visibility clothing. For the time being, you may also want to provide your employees with access to PPE, such as rubber gloves and face masks. 
• Working in a laboratory is another area that needs the appropriate tools and equipment to help create a safe environment.  The classical equipment includes tools such as Bunsen burners and microscopes as well as specialty equipment such as operant conditioning chambers, spectrophotometers and calorimeters.  SciQuip specialises in scientific equipment you need from the most cutting-edge manufacturers.
  
• Review and update your health and safety procedures at least once a year to ensure that they are up to date. Remember, as government guidelines regarding safety in the workplace change; your procedures should too. There is simply no excuse for outdated practices, especially when it comes to the safety of your employees.