HEALTH AND SAFETY. Three words that cause much rolling of eyes, and provokes heavy sighs amongst most people. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s something to be avoided. A safer, healthier workplace protects business owners from the threat of litigation. And, it also gives employees a safe environment that they can work with efficiency and be more productive. Let’s take a look at some of the things you need to think about – and where to find the right help.
Accidents at work
Slips, trips, and falls – they should be on your mind at all times when you run a business. According to the Department of Labor, they cause an incredible 15% of all accidental deaths. It’s an astonishing figure that everyone should be aware of. If there is an accident in your workplace, just think about the problems it could cause you. Compensation payments, finding new employees, the costs of training, and much more.
So, what can you do? The solution is simple. Make sure that you operate a ‘tidy working’ policy, and that your employees know their responsibilities to keep walkways clear. Running regular safety courses can help you protect yourself against any court action, and you should also lead by example.
Fires
Businesses in the United States suffer from thousands of fire every year, so it’s clear it is something that you should be looking at. The results can be catastrophic. Fires can cause death, severe burns, and can destroy your business if you don’t take your responsibility seriously.
Make sure that you follow all fire regulations for your state, and ensure that you have your equipment tested regularly. For example, make sure you have a fire sprinkler monitoring service to guarantee that if there is a fire, there will be protection. You should also keep tabs on your fire extinguishers, and ensure they are full, and work properly.
General health
You are responsible for the safety of your employees while they are in the workplace, and you are also accountable for their health. This means that you have to pay close attention to your air conditioning and heating systems, to make sure that they work correctly. If your air con and heaters are left to their own devices, they will attract fungus, mold, and bacteria. All of these can have serious effects on those with certain breathing conditions.
You also need to make sure that your employees can work in comfort. Make sure that chairs and desks are at an appropriate height, and that your staff can work with a good posture. It might not seem much, but there are lots of cases of repetitive strain injury and posture problems that cause many days off work in the USA. Train people how to use their equipment properly, and you will see fewer sick days, and promote a more productive workplace.
As you can see, health and safety issues can cause a lot of problems in the workplace. It’s essential that you can find a way to deal with them before they occur. Sure, it might seem dull to think about – but it will be far from boring if you end up with a court case or an injured member of staff on your hands. It will help you become a more ethical leader, and a better boss.
