An employee is injured at work every seven seconds, the National Safety Council reveals. 33% of injuries requiring time off work are caused by overexertion, 26% by contact with objects and equipment, and 25% by slips, trips, and falls. Workplace injuries negatively impact your bottom line as well as your employees. Prioritizing health and safety is essential to keep your workers safe and your business thriving.
Retain an attorney
As a business owner, it’s important to hire an experienced attorney early on so you always have legal counsel on standby, legal experts at Janet, Janet, and Suggs advise. This will give you peace of mind if you find yourself needing legal advice before making certain decisions or recommendations on the best course of action after being sued. If possible, retain a lawyer with knowledge of local laws and policies that affect your business and how they’re enforced. In particular, workplace health and safety lawyers can conduct audits to ensure your business complies with state and federal occupational safety and health requirements.
Improve workplace ergonomics
Improving ergonomics can boost productivity and reduce common workplace injuries caused by poor posture, repetitive strain, and lifting heavy objects. First, ask your employees to identify any existing safety hazards and suggest solutions to eradicate them. You can also look at past injury reports and workers’ compensation records to find specific problems to correct. Train and educate employees on how to use tools and equipment safely, as well as how to recognize signs of injuries. Depending on your business, you may need to implement height-adjustable furniture and tools to improve comfort and posture or mechanical equipment like hand trucks to move heavy objects.
Implement emergency procedures
Create a safety plan detailing correct procedures for reporting and handling injuries and emergencies. This plan should be read by employees during their training, as well as included in regular training refreshers. Place copies of the safety plan around your workplace, so it’s easily accessible. Additionally, if your workplace contains permanent hazards like sharp equipment or stored chemicals, be ready with signage that alerts employees to possible temporary dangers (OSHA regulations dictate which conditions require signs and the information the signs should include).
Creating and maintaining a safe workplace is a top priority for any business owner. Improving ergonomics, implementing emergency procedures, and retaining an attorney can protect your, your employees, and your bottom line.
