5 Steps to Making a Workplace Risk-Free

April 19, 2019 - Staying safe at work is essential. Whatever job you do there are certain risks you need to be aware of and look for ways to keep yourself safe. Responsibility for providing a safe workplace lies not just with the employer but the employee as well. You might not think a risk-free workplace is an option, but it is realistic and achievable. That's not to say it's easy. Commitment and discipline are vital components of a workplace that's free of hazards, and it's very easy to become complacent over time. If you want to create a safe work environment for yourself and those around you here are five steps for you to focus on.

1. Create a Plan

As a business owner, it's your responsibility to identify hazards in the workplace and do everything you can to reduce or eliminate them completely. It's also important for you to include your employees in creating a safety plan.

2. Assess the Workplace

An important part of keeping a workplace safe is to regularly check equipment and tools to ensure they are working correctly, well maintained and safe to use. Check other areas of your business to review safe working procedures. Make sure your employees know where the fire exits are, where they have to go if there is a fire and the correct procedure for reporting one. Any employees who have to lift heavy goods need to know how to do it without injuring themselves.

3. Train all Employees

Proper training is essential for all employees, especially if there is a specific risk involved with a job. As well as formal training you should also provide written instructions and safe working procedures that your employees can read and check themselves. When your employees are working, they should be supervised to ensure they're following the correct procedures. If you don't provide adequate training, you are putting them in danger and can be held liable for any injuries that occur. Companies such as The Compensation Experts can answer any questions you might have.

4. Investigate Incidents

If an incident occurs, you should conduct an incident investigation, whether an employee is injured or not. Should an employee decide, they want to make a claim for compensation you'll need to know what happened.

5. Keep Accurate Records

It's important to keep records of all training activities, first aid treatment, inspections and incident investigations. With this information in one place, you'll be able to identify any trends in unsafe working conditions or procedures. By identifying any trends, you'll be able to keep your procedures up to date, correct any errors, fill any gaps, and ensure the workplace continues to be as safe as possible.

Safety has a vital part to play in your business. It's just as important as customer service, marketing, and financial planning if you want to run a successful business. If you're a business owner, you should be committed to health and safety because it protects your employees. Which are, after all, your greatest resource.

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