Let’s face it: At some point, your employees may think they’ve heard all there is to hear about workplace safety. When this happens, it can be a slippery slope because your cautionary tales or safety tips may start to fall on deaf ears.
As an EHS leader, you know that safety is too important to ignore. It’s not all common sense. The more you educate your team in ways they can relate to or put into perspective, the better chance you stand of creating a safer environment for everyone.
Share these eight workplace safety tips at your next safety meeting to give your team some different food for thought.
#1 – Recognize Workplace Risks
The key to mitigating risks begins with understanding what could cause a potential hazard or incident. Ask each employee to look around their workspace and identify anything that could jeopardize their safety. In many cases, non-threatening items could be problematic in the right scenario. Knowing what damage certain things could potentially cause can help you avoid these situations.
#2 – Know How to Report Incidents or Hazards
Incidents can happen at any time to anyone, even those who take safety seriously. When an incident occurs or a hazard manifests itself, employees should know how to report issues expeditiously to lessen their effects. Go over the proper procedures with employees so they can reduce response time, secure the affected if necessary, and work toward a resolution quickly.
Tip: Use safety software to report and track incidents to ensure compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
#3 – Don’t Take Shortcuts on Tasks or Procedures
Some employees will cast caution to the wind in order to save time. But what they don’t always realize is that tasks have been carefully thought out to prevent safety issues, even if they do require a little more time. Let employees know that if there were a quicker way, you’d already be doing it. Remind them about the importance of following procedures to the letter for their own sake.
#4 – Keep Your Workspace Clean and Clear of Clutter
A clean workspace is a safe workspace. Clear away any clutter or unnecessary items that could pose risks of tripping, falling, slipping, or other injuries. Studies show that slips, trips, and falls are one of the biggest dangers at work. They create almost 250,000 missed work days each year, but they’re also largely preventable.
#5 – Engage Yourself with the Company
If your team members aren’t engaged with the company outside of meetings and normal job duties, that’s a problem. It’s important for your employees to feel invested in the company. Volunteering for projects, lending a hand outside of their normal duties, joining a committee or team, or participating in company-sponsored programs can immerse them in your company's culture. Employees that have a vested interest in the company can do a better job of maintaining safety standards than someone who simply shows up to work. Let your people know how they can get involved with the company. Offer them ways to stay engaged and show them how it can improve their work life.
#6 – Take Regular Breaks
It sounds crazy, but some people work straight through breaks in order to finish a job. While this shows a dedication to their company, it also shows a disregard for safety. Taking regular breaks can ensure projects are completed on time and without incident because it gives workers a chance to grab their focus.
#7 – Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Even though they aren’t sleeping on the job, feeling rested can help them exercise better judgment at work. They’re less likely to make mistakes that can result in safety issues. Emphasize the importance of a good night’s sleep and how it can ultimately affect your employees' performance.
#8 – Help New Employees Embrace the Safety Culture
When new employees come on board, it’s essential to start them off right. Rely on your team to help integrate them into your safety culture. Set expectations up front and make it easy for them to learn the ropes to stay safe on the job.
Workplace Safety Tips Apply to Every Employee
Sharing workplace safety tips often can help build top of mind awareness and put safety into perspective. No employee is invincible against potential workplace hazards, so do your part in ensuring each person understands their role.
For more tips and inspiration on how to create a safer workplace, head back to our safety blog.
