11 Workplace health and safety tips

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 requires that employers provide a safe workplace. So it is employers duty to train and help employees understand the risks and take steps toward the safest possible environment. Workplace health and safety planning and preparations should be an essential part of any organization. As part of an employers duty of care, it is also their legal obligation to make sure that the safety of employees and the public is not put at risk and that they are safe from harm.

Not only it is a legal and social responsibility, but it also makes good business sense.

Asses the workplace health and safety risks

Carry out a safety risk assessment of your business and any potential threats. You can then make an informed decision about which risks are a priority. And how to address them.

Keep a written record of  workplace health and safety rules

Write down the workplace health and safety measures you are taking as a company. Write a health and safety policy, and keep a record of all risk assessment. Keep an accident log of any incidents or near misses.

Consult with your team

Consult with your staff on health and safety. Talking to your employees can be a really useful tool to make your workplace a safer and more productive place.

Train them

Training sessions, or health and safety workshops, may be a helpful way of making sure everyone in the company understands the role they play in creating a healthy and safe workplace.

Encourage them to be active

Place the tea/coffee machine or water dispenser away from the employee sitting area, make them do their photocopies, or schedule an outdoor event like a marathon or a walk in the park. This will make them active and help reduce any stress that may have built up throughout the workday.

Keep it clean

One of the easiest ways of reducing the risk of an accident in an office, workshop or industrial unit is to keep it clean and tidy.

Conduct fire drills

Regular fire drills are essential and should be carried out at least once a year. Staff needs to know exactly what they should do in the event of a fire.

Perform routine maintenance

Make sure any equipment is regularly serviced and that any necessary repairs are carried out promptly, making sure everything including your premises, remains in a good condition.

First aid

Keep a well-stocked first aid kit and make sure it contains all the necessary items for dealing with an incident requiring first aid. Also, ensure that enough members of staff received first aid training.

Feed them healthy

Generally, a full-time employee eats at least one full meal and a snack at their workplace. So, you should make sure to stack up some healthy meal and snacks options.

Identify vulnerable workers

Make sure you identify any workers that could be considered vulnerable, such as young or pregnant staff. Carry out a risk assessment specifically for them to make sure you are protecting their health and safety properly.

CircleCare workplace wellness app provides companies with a platform and tools to motivate their employees via positive reinforcements and rewards to establish and maintain healthy lifestyle choices and follow workplace safety rules.