Hazardous Working Environment
The whole concept of danger in the workplace is ubiquitous with modern technology, as well as data breaches, phishing scams and computer viruses; but what about the dangerous aspects of a working environment? It's essential that we maintain a working environment that’s not just safe for employees to work in, but one that ensures the employees feel safe also. Are there any ways for you to keep on top of this?
Appropriate Communication
As well as health and safety being a legal obligation, it's your responsibility as the boss to communicate with your employees in as transparent a way as possible, so your employees are up to date. The big issue with legal compliances is that it's your responsibility, not necessarily the employees, so how do you make sure that they follow the rules properly? Ensuring that you have methods of communication that reiterate the core values of the workplace, but also encourage your employees to look after each other, as well as themselves.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Preventing potential hazards is directly related to a good health and safety policy, as well as staff knowledge, but what also needs to be done is the investigative side of things. By conducting regular inspections, and supporting future investigations into improving general health and safety effectiveness, this will ensure that you are staying firmly on the side of prevention.
Managing The Turnaround After A Dangerous Incident
When you've done everything you can, but there are still potential risks that you haven't spotted, it's your duty to manage the fallout of an incident like a real leader. If your workplace sustains irreparable damage, it might be heartbreaking to report this and have demolition services rake up the mess, but you have a responsibility to your employees, not just the building itself. You can find appropriate alternatives to ensure the business is continuing in spite of a physical location, such as implementing remote working, or sourcing temporary offices so your staff can continue in their job.
The Importance Of An “Open Door Policy”
It is a term that’s bandied around a lot, but as you would help that your workers are transparent in their communications to you, an open door policy is the best way to prove that you are there for them in a professional and personal sense. If your working environment has potential hazards, or is dangerous, either physically or emotionally, then it's your responsibility to ensure they have the platform in which to communicate their thoughts and feelings about this. A safe working environment can be everyone's responsibility, but at the end of the day, it is you that has to foot the bill. And if you aren't complying with the legal rules, this is one thing, but if you're not taking on board your workers' feedback, and aren't there for them, you're not doing your job properly.
A responsibility towards employees isn't just about ensuring they complete the tasks handed to them, it's about ensuring they are out of danger. Danger takes many forms, so take it seriously.