The last thing your business needs is an on-the-job accident to occur. You care about your employees, and want to do everything in your power to keep them safe. Plus, accidents can lead to critical production losses and even costly lawsuits. Everyone wins when the workplace is a safe place to be.
Supply PPE
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers provide the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for each employee. This is the equipment that is necessary to protect workers from serious hazards that could cause injuries or illness. Depending on the job, this equipment could include hard hats, gloves, earplugs, safety glasses, respirators, hazmat suits, and more. Each employee should be provided with their own, properly-fitted equipment, and it should be kept clean and in good repair. These items offer vital protection from physical, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and radiological hazards.
Provide Employees With Information
The OSHA also requires employers to provide thorough safety training to each employee, in a language that they understand. The OSHA also provides a variety of resources that will help you know what kinds of training are required, as well as tutorials, videos, publications, and more. Employees should have access to critical information about safety hazards in your workplace. They should also receive training on how to operate equipment, when to wear PPE, and what to do in the case of an emergency. Additionally, your employees should be well-versed in your emergency plan. This should include an evacuation plan, as well as safe areas in the case of lightning, tornadoes, or other emergency situations.
Perform Regular Safety Inspections
Regular safety inspections are key to keeping your workplace accident-free. The OSHA offers self-inspection checklists based on your type of industry that you can refer to. Some examples of these checklists include self-inspection for general industry, housekeeping, electrical, fall protection, truck safety, and construction. Performing these inspections will instruct you as to the areas that need to be improved. It is also important to have the proper emergency supplies on hand. This should include small items such as basic first aid supplies, flashlights, blankets, water, and communication tools. You should also keep large-ticket items such as fully functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, automated external defibrillators (AED’s), fire extinguishers, and, where necessary, eyewash stations.
Workplace safety is vital both for your employees and for your business. When you take the time to make safety a priority, you could be saving lives. Remember to lead by example. By teaching, enforcing, and exemplifying safety, you have the power to create a safety-focused work culture.
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