No matter the size of your business, safety is vital to ensure its success. A small business owner should know that safety is an investment into your business. Also, it is your responsibility to regard workplace safety for your employees. Most small business owners respond to the safety of the workplace by having insurance cover. However, safety measures go far beyond that. You’re always better safe than sorry. Here are some tips on improving the safety standards in your small business.
- Develop overall safety measures and precautions.
As a business manager, it is upon you to minimize risks and hazards in the workplace for your employees. Set up safety strategies to protect them while they work. Communication with your employees is the key. Review with them the safety measures you’ve taken and help them understand the steps you are taking to guarantee their safety. Some hazards develop as the job is done. For example, a janitor while cleaning stands the risks of exposure to chemicals. One safety measure you could take is to provide them with safety gear including gloves. Also, having a first aid kit, and CCTV in a workplace is vital in case of any issue.
- Carry out regular checks on your facility and equipment.
When your equipment is in good working condition, you reduce the potential risk of injury. Any tools and equipment your employees use should be maintained through regular inspection. The same practice goes to your business facility. Ensure items are well arranged in storage rooms; there is no potential danger of boxes falling onto employees. To improve safety standards in your small business, ensure employees are trained on lifting heavy loads. Carry out drills to know if your employees know how to react in case of fire.
- Undertake proper training.
If your business involves employees dealing with potentially dangerous tools and equipment; before letting them handle them take them through proper training. Supervise them at work to ensure the have the know-how on operating the equipment. You could also put up the instructions where they can refer to in case of doubt. You can employ an outsider to do this or take it upon yourself but remember that the investment is worth it. Sign your employees off on their training and follow up with regular testing and checks to ensure that they have not forgotten and that no incidental accidents can then occur.
- Hold regular safety meetings with your staff.
As pointed out earlier, communication is vital. Ask for staff input on how they’d like their safety guaranteed. Effective communication with employees will also help you to identify ways in which you could improve safety standards in your small business. Such meetings also provide a chance to train them on giving basic first aid. This should be a regular occurrence, and it should be compulsory for employees. They can air any questions or concerns they have on the safety regulations in your business and you can work together to fix or improve them.
- Investigate accidents.
Never ignore minor accidents reported within the work. Looking into them will give you pointers on how to improve safety standards in your small business to prevent such accidents from happening again. Have a form for employees to fill out so you can keep it on record incase of any further need, it will also train your employees on the importance of understanding what is an accident and what is not: a papercut vs. a box falling on their head etc.
- Maintain accurate records.
The same way you like keeping good records of profits, losses and business stocks, ensure you have a record of safety events in your business. You can get safety workbooks online. Keeping accurate safety records will help you identify potential problems and make improvements. You can produce a file for each employee where you can be kept up to date on the level of their safety training and on when they need a refresher course.
- Integrate safety into every area of your business.
Finally, make safety the backbone of your venture. Safety should be part of the daily operations to create a safe environment for your staff.
Sourced from: businessblogshub
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