AbleToTrain by Willing & Able

How to boost productivity with better health and safety practices

A healthy and safe workplace will make your staff happier and your business more productive. All firms wish to avoid the consequences of an unsafe and unhealthy workplace, which might include injured workers, frequent sick absence, increased insurance premiums, and training to replace missing staff.

There are several actions you can take to create a better work environment, whether you work in an office or run a manufacturing plant.

Set up a good program

Ascertain that your organization has an occupational health and safety program in place. Put it in writing and make it apparent in your company’s orientation materials. Make sure you develop a training program that covers the operation of shop equipment and machines.

Even if your equipment comes with safety materials, it is critical that your program mirrors your company’s everyday reality. Employees in an office should use equipment that is made to be easy on the back and neck to avoid common problems like these.

Obtain employee feedback

If you want your staff to buy into your program, involve them in the process. Involve them in detecting potential flaws in equipment and devising strategies to avoid harm. Employees in a workplace, for example, should be encouraged to monitor their posture. Internal “safety blitzes” in production can be an effective technique for routinely evaluating safety regulations pertaining to the usage of equipment, forklifts, and other machinery.

It is a good idea to construct a reference manual after gathering input from employees. Face-to-face interactions with employees, on the other hand, are always the most effective way to ensure your message is received and comprehended.

Here are some general safety guidelines that can be applied to any corporate situation.

  • Ascertain that everyone is aware of the safety and security measures, fire procedures, and escape routes.

  • Create a buddy system at your office or store so that coworkers consider one another’s well-being.

  • Keep first-aid supplies on hand.

  • Make sure emergency phone numbers are prominently visible.

  • Prepare for natural catastrophes and other emergencies.

  • Make someone accountable for building security as well as employee health and safety.

  • Install emergency phones in remote locations, such as storage rooms.

  • Make sure you have adequate indoor and outdoor illumination.

Maintaining the security of your factory or manufacturing shop

Employers are legally required to provide a healthy and safe work environment, especially when hazardous products are present.

Experts should be consulted to ensure that your facility complies with current regulations. A variety of sources provide detailed information on occupational health and safety and what businesses must do.

Entrepreneurs can also encourage staff to live healthy lifestyles. Consider giving frequent wellness presentations to your staff, as well as financing gym memberships, physiotherapy treatments, and other health services. Investing in these initiatives is far superior to spending money on employee sick leave.