Every employer has a responsibility to protect their employees. In some cases, accidents and illnesses are inevitable, but often, there are steps you can take to reduce risks and promote health and safety. In this guide, we’ll offer some top tips for business owners.
Image source: https://pixabay.com/vectors/character-security-a-notice-sign-696951/
Keep up to date with rules and regulations
The golden rule for prioritizing employee health and safety is to keep up to date with regulations that cover businesses within your industry. Ensure that you are up to speed with policies and guidelines, undertake training and familiarize yourself with safety standards. If you fail to comply with rules and regulations, the risk of injuries and illness will increase and you may also be held liable for accidents and work-related ailments.
Implement safety systems
Many jobs and work environments carry risks. To minimize risks and protect employees, business owners can invest in safety systems and protective equipment. Ensure that your employees have access to the equipment they need, test equipment regularly in line with industry guidelines and ensure that they have the relevant training to work safely. Safety systems can help to prevent accidents in hazardous conditions and settings. If you employ workers who undertake tasks while working at height, for example, there are solutions that create safer environments, such as those provided by Shine On Anchors. You are legally required to make sure that you cross the health and safety boxes set out by the relevant authorities, but it’s also beneficial to go above and beyond to offer additional protection.
Analyze data
One of the best ways to identify risks and hazards and reduce staff illness and absence is to collect and analyze data. Carry out regular risk assessments, ensure that employees report incidents and keep a record of sick leave, illness and work-related injuries. Look for patterns and trends. If several employees go off with the same symptoms, for example, try to take steps to rectify the problem. Work-related stress and back pain are among the most common causes of employee absence. As an employer, it’s beneficial to communicate with your team and talk about issues or factors that may be contributing to illness or injuries. You could look into wellbeing initiatives and managing schedules to ease pressure and stress, or explore new office furniture or lifting equipment to reduce the prevalence of back pain, for example.
Prioritize prevention
Prevention is always better than cure. Try to be proactive in preventing accidents by championing health and safety and take an active interest in employee wellbeing. Look for ways to boost morale among employees, help them to establish a healthy work-life balance and include health and wellbeing incentives and benefits in your employee package. It’s an excellent idea to talk to your employees about the kinds of benefits they would be most interested in and to see what other companies offer.
Picture credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-people-near-wooden-table-3184418/
As an employer, the health and safety of your employees should be a priority. Employers have a legal duty to adhere to rules and regulations, but often, it’s beneficial to go further to offer additional protection and promote good health and wellbeing.
- 7 views