Most people don’t think about safety in the workplace until something happens. If the aftermath is final, prevention of the next similar outcome becomes a priority. But changing the policies after is often too late. Statistics say that as many as 2.3 million people around the world succumb to work-related injuries annually. As for non-fatal incidents, there are billions. That is way too much not to consider prevention and a significant attitude change.
Security in the workplace isn’t just important for high-risk jobs. Any administration worker can suffer from serious illnesses due to, let’s say, toxic materials in the office building, bacteria in the water, or, the most common cause, fire incidents. Regardless of that, your industry and your employees need to be safe at all times.
Familiarise Yourself with the Law, Proper Procedures, and Your Environment
Even if you aren’t feeling concerned about your employees, the safety of our office is mandated by law. There are many obligations and restrictions in place for the employer in order to protect the working class. Make sure you are familiar with all of them, so no inspection can catch you off guard. Obeying the rules is in your best interest, since the cost of fixing the damage will be much higher than the cost of prevention.
In addition to this, pay attention to the environment and materials you use. Air and water, for example, can be very easy to contaminate, which can have severe consequences. If your employees fall ill due to this, you will be in a world of trouble.
Educate Your Employees – It Will Be Highly Beneficial
Even the safest office space won’t do you any good if your employees aren’t equipped and aware. Of course, if someone misuses the equipment and hurts themselves, you won’t be at fault. But you will still have an injured worker, and no one wants that. Give them a lot of training, talk to them about awareness, and do regular follow-ups.
Even if they forget, it is your responsibility to remind them, because even a little mishap can cause a lot of problems for the business. Raise their awareness to a higher level and teach them how to avoid clutter, handle electronic equipment, avoid dangerous exposure… It will require a lot of resources, but it will pay off in the end.
Consult an External Party If It Is Necessary
If you are a new business just getting your own space, chances are you won’t know how to be completely safe, or at least as much as you can. And that is completely understandable. However, it is no excuse not to learn everything you are missing now. If you opt for hiring an external party to help you, there will be a lot less stress involved, and the job will get done way faster. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from other business owners, and your employees as well. The most important thing is to have a safe office space, it doesn’t matter how you got there.
Pay Special Attention to Fire Safety If You Are Working from an Office
When it comes to safety at work, people always think about helmets, high ladders, and vehicle-related accidents. But if you are working in an office, your biggest threat is fire. Even when they obey all the rules and laws, offices are still fire traps. So much paper, clutter, tightly squashed desks, overcharged electrical outlets, and no ventilation… Even when a minor incident happens, the damage and the danger can be huge. Not only will your employees suffer injuries, but you can seriously hurt your business by destroying data and equipment. This is precisely why you should invest in reliable fire ducts, make sure your smoke alarms are always in order, and check your fire extinguishers regularly.
Prevention Is the Key, Especially for Non-Life-Threatening Injuries
How many breaks do your workers have? Do they have access to fresh air, food, and water? Do they have chairs, tables and other furniture that doesn’t damage their health? How many hours do they spend in front of a screen, with artificial light? All of these questions are part of safety at work. Sometimes, your employees won’t even know that they are hurting themselves. Promoting a healthier lifestyle and creating an environment that values overall wellness and well-being is one of the most important steps you can take in order to create a safe working environment.
Safety doesn’t come solely from obeying the rules. It comes from awareness, attitude and small but significant lifestyle changes. Managers and employees alike should be proactive, inspire change, follow the decision-makers and incorporate safety and well-being into the corporate culture. Once this is shared as a value and not as something mandatory by law, you won’t ever have to worry about your workers and the decisions they are making. They will protect themselves, as well as the equipment and space they are using.