Employee safety is an underrated part of business growth.
A 2021 Statista Survey found that 79% of employees believed their company’s well-being program boosted their productivity. Productivity and organizational development can be improved by ensuring employees are mentally and physically healthy.
Prioritizing your employee’s well-being and safety reduces avoidable risks. This article will discuss five safety areas every business must address to ensure long-term business growth.
Top 5 health and safety areas for long-term business success
These are five essential safety precautions every business should take:
1. Emergency protocols
Emergencies can happen at any time, from fire outbreaks to medical emergencies such as allergic reactions. Businesses must implement protocols that can reduce the impact, such as evacuation procedures that ensure that all employees get out safely during a fire outbreak or emergency services catering to sudden medical conditions.
Another good measure is to keep track of your employee’s health. Employ drug testing lab services to keep informed regarding their health status and substance use to help you prepare for health emergencies.
2. Workplace hazards
According to the UK Health and Safety Executives (HSE), about 145 UK workers were fatally injured at work in 2018/19. Identifying and addressing workplace hazards is the best way to ensure a safe working environment for your employees.
Install anti-slip coatings on slippery floors, repair faulty electrical wiring, put up warning signs for dangerous appliances or avoid them if possible, and conduct regular inspections to discover and mitigate these risks.
3. Work posture
Employees spend hours in their chairs daily, and poor sitting posture can result in back and neck pain. Employers should provide ergonomic workstations, including ergonomic chairs and keyboards, height-adjustable desks, and footrests to help staff maintain a healthy sitting posture.
You can also educate your employees on proper work postures and stretching techniques to prevent these injuries. After all, a pain-free employee is happy, and happy employees grow businesses efficiently.
4. Employee training
Train your employees on health and safety practices, such as proper equipment use, emergency procedures, and safe work practices to ensure they don’t hurt themselves while working.
Training them on these dos and don’ts also keeps them aware of the hazards associated with their jobs. It educates them on how to resolve these hazards and gives them confidence in their ability to perform their job safely.
It’s also one way to communicate as a leader to your employees about their safety, ultimately boosting their trust in you.
5. Reporting
Encourage your employees to report any abnormalities or health concerns to management. This boils down to having a relaxed work environment where employees can discuss safety issues with their leaders without hassle or repercussions.
Establish clear reporting procedures that make getting the information to suitable people easy. You can also provide a way for employees to report incidents while remaining anonymous.
Conclusion
Prioritizing these health and safety areas can help your business create a safe, healthy, and productive workplace, reduce negative consequences and contribute to long-term success.
Read Also:
