If you’re a business owner, or even manager, we’re sure that ensuring the safety of your employees is at the top of your agenda. After all, for the hours they’re in your workplace, you have a duty of care to keep them safe from harm and potential danger.
You’ll no doubt have already run a full safety and risk assessment for your workplace, whether that be an office, construction site, salon, shop or restaurant. Wherever you conduct your business, there’ll be legal requirements to ensure that you’re doing all that you can to keep your staff safe.
But is there anything else you could be doing on top of what you’re required to by law, to make your workplace a safer space? We’ve got some ideas to help you take safety to the next level.
Safety Procedures
By law, you probably already have certain safety procedures in place, such as what you would need to do in the event of a fire. But consider if there are any further safety procedures you could create, for example it can be useful for employees to know the procedure if there’s really bad weather. With any safety procedure you have in place, the key is to make sure every single one of your workers is thoroughly educated in it. When onboarding new staff, make sure you include copies in their employee handbook, and then get another member of staff to briefly go over these procedures with them to ensure they understand. It’s also worth rebriefing staff on these procedures every now and again, such as having regular fire drills to ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Don’t forget that safety procedures can stretch to the technological world too. Think about your employees’ online safety, and educate them on email hacking scams so that they feel confident distinguishing between legitimate and suspicious looking emails.
First Aid Equipment
As you know by now, having a first aid kit in your workplace is a legal requirement, if you have a larger workplace you may even require more than one kit – we recommend double checking on the Government HSE website. Once you have your first aid kit in place, make sure everyone knows where it is – usually your trained workplace first aiders will be in charge of this. But if you’re really looking to go above and beyond for your employees, it doesn’t hurt to bring in additional medical supplies. Basic over the counter medication such as paracetamol, or tummy calming tablets, can be really appreciated when someone comes down feeling a bit rough.
Staff Training
We’ve already touched upon the necessity to train up staff as first aiders, but have you thought about mental health first aiders in your workplace? Staff will feel much safer, knowing they can talk any issues through anonymously with a mental health first aider. Having this level of support can really increase happiness in the workplace as well! Alongside first aid training, you should also consider training up staff as fire marshals. It’s also crucial to ensure that all of your team get full training on any machinery, equipment or specialised products they need to use or handle during their working day. : it is also important to make sure your staff are aware of the fire
safety procedures and to ensure that your fire doors are working properly. This training should be updated with refresher courses, also, to prevent any accidents happening further down the line due to a slip up in procedures.
PPE & Safety Equipment
Alongside training, your employees need the correct equipment to keep them safe when working in hazardous situations. The law states that PPE must legally be provided once all other measures have been taken to protect your staff. But we’d recommend providing PPE, even when you think the risk levels are quite low. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and your workers will appreciate that you’re putting their safety first. Additionally, implementing PPE detection software such as Protex AI, can enhance your safety measures by ensuring that employees are using the required protective gear at all times
Appropriate Uniform
Do your staff wear uniforms or workwear? There are so many benefits to providing workwear, that you’re almost missing out if you don’t – no matter what industry you’re in! Providing a uniform can really make your employees feel part of a team, it can really motivate them to work hard, but moreover it’ll keep them safe while at work.
Proper Signage
How thoroughly sign posted is your workplace? Do you have signage to alert visitors & staff of hazards such as ramps or steps? How about signage to inform staff of hot taps? You may not think they’ll make much of a difference, but having proper signage in your workplace can really prevent accidents from happening. Think of as many hazards as you can, and consider whether or not you think they need signposting. Again, there’s no harm to be had in going a little over the top with your signage. Not only will they help make your workplace a safer space, but they’ll also give you peace of mind as an employer, that you’ve done all you can to prevent potential accidents.
Regular Cleaning
A clean workplace is a safe workplace. Not only does a clean space prevent cross-contamination and germs, but it can also improve the mental health and happiness of your workers. Afterall, no one can focus on the job in hand when surrounded by mess and clutter. Moreover, dirt and grime can be a potential safety hazard, especially if it covers up essential safety signs or warnings.
Encourage Proper Breaks
Now, to finish on a recommendation which your staff will absolutely love you for! Encourage your workers to take regular breaks. Not just the law-required hour or half hour lunch break, but we mean 5-10 minute coffee-breaks here and there, just to get away from their job and refresh for a few minutes. No one functions well without regular rest, whether they’re working in a mentally or physically demanding role. Without rest, accidents and mistakes can be made. Tiredness can genuinely be a killer in the workplace – especially in roles where machinery is used, or where staff are required to drive. So be the boss you wish you had, and encourage everyone to take enough breaks to reset and keep them fresh and focused on the job.
