The best way to reduce workplace accidents is to be proactive in prevention. One euro spent on prevention saves a hundred on medical care. There are many ways to prevent accidents, but when these precautions are taken you need to be irreproachable, and you need to communicate your expectations clearly. To be successful in reducing workplace accidents, carefully review the following list of safety guidelines.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: General Policies
Step 1. Introduce formal security policies and procedures
Write a business guide that establishes the steps necessary to achieve the reduction of the risk of accidents in the workplace. Include provisions on how to store toxic substances and hazardous items, and where certain products must be stored to ensure safe storage and recovery.
Step 2. Appoint someone within your company as a security officer
Talk to him about the safety arrangements in place, and work on a plan making sure it is understood and shared as much as possible. Obtain confirmation that the individual is aware of the responsibilities associated with the safety issue. Express your support and organize periodic meetings to discuss problems and solutions aimed at preventing future accidents.
Step 3. Make your expectations for a safe workplace known
Periodically remind your staff that safety is a priority in your company. You can do this verbally or you can reconfirm your expectations by means of reminders. You can also place information material about safety in the various rooms of your facility.
- Words are important, but actions are even more important. If someone exposes themselves to a possible risk to their safety or that of others, take action immediately to correct them. Don't wait for him to mend on his own or for someone else to act for you.
- Ask your employees if they have any suggestions about improving workplace safety. A security officer is certainly helpful, but more eyes and ears are almost always better than one. Printing of anonymous forms that employees can fill out at their discretion.
Step 4. Inspect facilities regularly with the safety coordinator
Make sure your staff are following safety guidelines. Check sensitive areas carefully and make sure proper precautions have been taken. When you see a situation that is cause for concern, talk to the coordinator, and then arrange a meeting with all staff to share the concerns, and make sure it doesn't happen again.
Step 5. Make sure you have the right tools so you or your employee don't have to improvise
Asking your employees to improvise gives the impression that you don't take safety seriously.
For example, if you have a warehouse with high shelves, make sure you have a ladder so you or your employees don't have to climb up the supply boxes to retrieve a product
Step 6. Make a training program in relation to all scenarios that present a risk
Training should cover how to properly lift and move heavy objects and how to use mechanical tools and implements.
- The type of training will vary according to the production sector. Some businesses like restaurants and warehouses will need more training than others.
- Training must be scheduled for all new employees and, annually, for others as well. Staff might perceive this as a nuisance, but should ultimately be reassured that the company takes health and safety very seriously.
Method 2 of 2: Specific guidelines
Step 1. Be ready in the event of a workplace fire
Fires are potentially devastating events, putting many businesses, especially restaurants, at great risk. Make sure your workplace is adequately protected in the event of a fire in order to limit injuries:
- Make sure smoke detectors are installed and have a charged battery.
- Make sure fire extinguishers are present and charged. If necessary, you can ask the fire brigade for training on how to use fire extinguishers.
- Plan escape routes identify the nearest emergency exits and how employees can access them as quickly as possible.
Step 2. Consider investing in first aid training or, at the very least, a first aid kit
First aid training can't prevent an injury from occurring, but it can help keep injuries sustained in the accident under control.
Purchase at least one first aid kit for each floor in your workplace. Place it in a central location that is easy to access
Step 3. Make a report following any work incident
If an accident has occurred in the workplace, write a report on the incident. Investigate what happened, who was involved, to what extent the incident could have been prevented, and make recommendations for subsequent procedures. An accident report will at least foster awareness and possibly act as a deterrent to future events.
Step 4. Make sure the safety entrances and exits in the workplace are fully functional and easily accessible
If your employees need to get out of the building quickly, make sure the fire exits are not blocked by heavy, bulky objects. This is more than just a violation of the rules in the workplace - this is potentially a matter of life or death.
Step 5. Clearly indicate potential hazardous situations with proper instructions and adequate signage
If an electrician is redoing the installation in an area of the workplace, or if a team of workers is working close to a railing, inform your employees by means of reminders and placing adequate and clearly visible signage near the potential danger zone.. Don't assume that people are smart enough to act accordingly. Write it in big letters!
