A workplace accident is certainly one of the biggest challenges that businesses could face. Having someone injured within your business premises or workspace can cause disruptions in your operations, meaning you can lose a great deal of valuable time. Not only that, but you are also likely to pay for worker’s compensation, which can surely put a strain on your finances.
The worst part is, a workplace accident can tarnish your company’s reputation pretty badly. Serious accidents can reach the media, the market, and the industry you’re in. To help you improve the safety and security of your working environment, we’ve compiled some tips for you.
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Create a prevention program
One of the most effective ways to minimize workplace accidents is to actually be wary of the potential hazards and dangers in the premises or company. This is where a workplace injury prevention program comes in. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, a good program should consist of worker participation, management leadership, hazard assessment and control, workers’ education and training, and program evaluation and improvement.
To better understand how worker’s compensation claims work, it’s best to talk to a seasoned personal injury lawyer. They can enlighten you about the potential cases you or your employees might face. This angle will give you a better idea of the complex legal process and how you should create your prevention program.
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Promote workplace safety and health
It’s a grievous mistake not to offer safety training for your employees, especially to new hires. A workforce that functions without knowledge about safety awareness is more likely to encounter problems and accidents than those aware of the proper safety practices. With that in mind, it’s important to provide your people with industry safety classes and training that are guided by appropriate and experienced organizations.
Ideally, your workforce should be able to identify the top occupational hazards in their job, as well as how they can actively prevent and manage workplace accidents. In addition to that, you can also promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle. You can stock the pantry with healthy snacks or encourage the employees to take short walks during breaks. You can also have a healthcare expert teach your staff how to achieve a positive work-life balance and relieve their stress and anxiety.
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Cut your on-site workplace risks
The next thing you can do is to create workflows that reduce the risks in your business. To improve your worksite’s safety, it’s necessary to communicate your staff’s health and safety policies and ensure they fully understand the importance of these procedures. You must be vigilant about the current and possible hazards and eliminate them quickly. Furthermore, it’s also important that your staff have the tools and equipment they need to stay safe at work.
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Create an ergonomically friendly workplace
According to several surveys, most workers’ compensation claims include long periods in awkward postures, frequent heavy lifting, and forceful and prolonged hand movements. The likelihood of getting musculoskeletal disorder is high regardless of whether your people are working in a warehouse or office.
To prevent such incidents, it’s best to establish a culture of ergonomics in the workplace. You can start by redesigning the workstations in the office or giving out anti-fatigue mats. Spreading out proactive ergonomics in your workplace isn’t just helpful for reducing compensation claims or boosting the health and safety of staff. It’s also beneficial for attracting new employees, retaining current ones, increasing productivity, and boosting profits.
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Maintain an orderly work area
It’s an obvious fact that maintaining an orderly workplace can help reduce hazards and mess. Plus, you also get to increase the productivity and satisfaction of your employees by giving them a safer and healthier workplace. One crucial part of maintaining an orderly workplace is housekeeping. As a matter of fact, safety professionals always advise to also focus on proper housekeeping measures when creating a safety plan.
Now, this isn’t just about removing clutter or sweeping floors. It’s more of ensuring the workplace is free of combustible dust and hazardous toxic wastes or materials. Keep your face well-organized to avoid incidents such as falls, slips, or struck-by injuries.
The reputational damage and financial costs that come with workplace accidents and injuries can be staggering. You are most likely to face productivity losses, compensation claims, salary costs, medical expenses, and even repairs. Reduce the possibility of your company facing these issues by following our tips here.
