How to Prevent Workplace Injuries – Our Guide
One workplace injury can be costly and leave a significant impact on your business. Aside from the time off, potential loss of earning and employee compensation paperwork, it can also lead to low morale and productivity loss among your teams. The best way to avoid such impact is to have a workplace injury prevention system. Here are some tips on what you can do:
1. Create accident prevention and wellness plan
Incorporate in your operation effective accident prevention and safety and wellness plan. The program should cover your employee’s safety and health in the workplace, encouraging them to take part in preventing a mishap by reporting hazardous practices or behaviour.
2. Screen applicants who are physically fit to the position
Many workplace injuries happen because the worker is not physically able to handle the task in the first place. Conduct a pre-placement physical examination so you can filter applicants and place them in appropriate positions that are matched with their physical capabilities.
3. Cultivate a safety standard culture
Educate your employees and management staff about the safety standards needed in your business. Provide training for your employees on how they can perform their tasks safely, such as proper lifting and moving to prevent injuries.
4. Know your business’s safety vulnerabilities
Your business may have unique safety needs. Find the safety vulnerabilities in your operations and develop strategies that keep them from happening.
5. Properly equip your employees
Provide sufficient equipment for your employees and teach them how to use them properly for their safety. Proper wearing of goggles, gloves, face masks, hard hats, safety shoes, and so on, are essential to prevent injuries.
6. Hire enough number of staff
Some injuries happen because your workers are overworked. Make sure that you have enough number of staff to cover the workload. You can hire part-time workers or seasonal staff. When you try to cut corners, you may end up losing more due to injuries.
7. Conduct routine inspection and maintenance
When your operations involve using vehicles, it is vital to inspect them and maintain their good condition. Workplace driving accidents cost millions of pounds every year.
8. Reinforce safety measures
Educating and training your employees about safety measures should not stop there. Every opportunity you find, reinforce them. You can also reward employees who follow the standards to encourage others to do the same and stay injury-free.
9. Maintain an organised workplace
Keep your workplace clean and orderly at all times. When your workplace is not well-maintained, there is an increased risk of having health and safety hazards. Design your workplace the best way possible to suit the needs of your operations where your employees can move around properly.
10. Be prepared to respond
Unfortunately, accidents may still happen even when you’ve put in place the necessary measures. You should also have response measures in place to get the needed care for an injured employee. Teach your employees about first aid and have emergency numbers ready.
Conclusion
Creating a safe and healthy environment for your employees will help prevent workplace injuries and save you lots of money. If you’re looking for a GWO course in Scotland, get in touch today for a free consultation!
