A safe and healthy workplace not only reduces the risk of injury—and workers’ compensation claims—at your business; it also creates a happier workplace.
- Know your responsibilities for keeping a safe and healthy workplace, including the laws and regulations for the work you do.
- Conduct a worksite analysis to assess worksite conditions and identify existing or potential hazards.
- Develop a system for organizing safety and health efforts.
- Address specific workplace hazards and have regular safety meetings.
- Engage employees in shaping your company’s health and safety policy.
- Train employees to spot and report safety hazards.
- Create a safety plan for your employees.
- Post your company’s safety and health policy where employees can review it.
- Inform employees about safety protocols so that they know what to do and where to go in case of danger, including the location of the nearest safety exit.
- Hold regular meetings that focus on employee health and safety.
- Cultivate a culture with mutual respect and open communication
- Invest in the proper equipment necessary for the type of work that your workers do.
- Ensure that employees know how to use personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Inspect tools, machinery, cords, and outlets frequently to ensure that they’re safe to use.
- Encourage employees to keep work areas clean and free of clutter.
- Keep bathrooms sanitary and well-stocked with soap to encourage frequent handwashing.
- Encourage employees to schedule regular doctor appointments and preventive health checkups, or organize “wellness days” at the worksite with free blood pressure checks and other medical screenings.
- Keep well-stocked first aid kits at worksites and/or work vehicles.
- Consider uniforms or a dress code to help minimize safety risks.
- Empower employees to take the time they need to complete their work safely and report any safety concerns to their managers.
- Keep up to date on the latest safety practices for your industry.
- Encourage employees to get adequate exercise and eat nutritious foods by offering exercise classes at your workplace, subsidizing gym memberships, or stocking the vending machine or employee cafeteria with healthier options.
- Encourage employees to use their vacation time.
- Hold emergency preparedness drills.
- Celebrate your accomplishments, such as milestones without an injury in the workplace or an employee’s attendance record.
Thanks for reading! Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, you should refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about workers’ compensation insurance or check your current rate in 3 minutes.
