5 Actionable Methods of Accident Reduction at Work
As an employer, you have safety obligations. Unfortunately, an incident can cost you money and your reputation. Here are some methods of accident reduction you can begin today.
Identify where Employees Can Slip or Trip
Slips, trips and falls are the most common types of injuries at the workplace. Most happen because of slippery surfaces, inadequate safety gear and uneven surfaces. You are responsible for ensuring the safety of anyone who enters your premises. While your insurance will take care of any incidents, no amount of money can buy back a lost reputation. For a safer environment, always put out wet floor signs and section off any hazardous areas. For significant issues like a problem with the flooring, hire floor leveling experts to replace damaged surfaces.
Make Sure Your Employees are Qualified
Training is essential in hazardous environments, and examples include operating heavy machinery or manufacturing equipment. However, training and licensing isn't always required by law. But it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees are qualified to use any equipment. Construction workers, for example, are required to pass specific health and safety tests to be allowed on site. If safety has been neglected, you will be held liable in case of an accident. The consequences of which could be monetary, reputational or imprisonment.
Accident Reduction Includes Health and Safety
You can ensure the proper procedures are followed with health and safety training. There are a lot of different aspects to health and safety. And getting the wrong training costs money. The average Australian business loses 7% of money every year due to common and preventable accidents. Educating employees about correct procedures can reduce the number of incidents. Most are simple, such as keeping food and drink away from electrical items. And you should operate a policy of keeping bags and coats in a dedicated area rather than at desks.
Employ Trained Mental Health Professionals
Psychologists are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace. Employee performance and job satisfaction can be improved with an organizational psychologist. Trained professionals use guided focus and compassion to help. They help improve your work environment with standard psychological methods for increased employee satisfaction. The process involves individual counselling of your staff, where they apply proven techniques for workplace satisfaction. As a result, you'll improve safety and professionalism at your company and for employees.
Install Ergonomic Equipment
In the early 2000s, ergonomic items became increasingly popular. People who work a lot with computers, such as programmers, develop repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). There are several symptoms of RSI, including muscle aches, back pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and neck problems. Therefore, it's helpful to install modern office furniture such as chairs with ergonomic capabilities. In short, you can fully adjust them to suit your needs. You can also purchase ergonomic mice and keyboards for office staff who use them often.
Summary
Accidents at work happen all the time. But many are preventable. You can reduce accidents at your company with health and safety training, qualifications and mental health treatment.