3 Ways to Ensure a Safe Work Environment

3 Ways to Ensure a Safe Work Environment

A business cannot operate without people. Whether a company deals with manual labor or confined to an office setting, the safety of their employees providing a safe work environment must always be top priority.

In some cases, a company can be liable for damages resulting from an occupational accident. They have to cover their employee’s medical bill as well as provide them their regular salary while they are incapacitated and not working. This can be a massive setback to a company’s bottom line.

To avoid situations like these, it is in a business’s best interest to set up and implement workplace safety regulations.

Some policies that can make a work environment safe include: 

Conducting Drug Tests and Applying Detox Kits

An employee who is under the influence of alcohol and drugs can be a potential safety hazard. Their inebriated state may lead to accidents in the workplace, not to mention any long-term effects on their own health.

Detecting drunken employees can be easy, but drugged-up workers will be more difficult to catch. Thus, companies need to regularly have their employees undergo drug tests.

There may be some employees who are prescribed medication by their doctor. Some of those medications may affect their performance and may make them lax, which could lead to disasters, especially in safety-sensitive positions like a construction worker.

Some companies allow these employees time off to recover. Some also provide rehabilitation programs involving detox kits to clear the effects of the drug. 

Designating Emergency Exits and Training Employees on Safety Procedures

A well-lit sign for an emergency exit can save lives in case of building fires, earthquakes, and other calamities, and regular fire drills can train employees on what to do and where to go.

When in an emergency, a person will naturally panic and rely on their survival instincts, which is usually to run away. Well-trained staff will be familiar on where the emergency exits are and how to get to them.

Forming an emergency response team within the company is also a good idea. Having one can guarantee that all employees will be taken care of while first responders are en route. 

Encouraging Employees to Take Breaks

Safety doesn’t just come into play during emergencies; safety is also important in terms of maintaining employee health and wellness. An ailing employee won’t be up to par in performance and, like in the first point, can cause accidents at work.

One way of keeping workers fit and sharp is to have them take breaks.

Employees who work during breaks may seem productive, but in reality, they’re often inefficient and prone to burning out. The latter isn’t ideal, particularly for safety-sensitive and high-pressure jobs.

It’s usually better for a company not to overwork their staff and ensure that they are taking their breaks properly. A company who cares for their employees will gain more from them. 

Work Safe, Play Safe, Stay Safe

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. It’s not just the management’s or HR’s—but it’s everyone’s concern.

A safe and healthy person can work and earn a living; a safe and healthy workplace can turn a profit for a company.

Everyone wins if everyone is safe.

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