The importance of health and safety in the workplace cannot be overstated.
Workplace injuries can have profound physical, emotional and financial implications for both employees and employers alike. Moreover, it is not just accidents that can lead to injury – poor ergonomics, inadequate protective equipment, hazardous work conditions and even stress can all contribute to serious injury or illness.
That’s why it is so important to have a comprehensive health and safety plan in place, covering everything from safe working practices to advice on work-related stress.
To help you get started, here are our top tips for maintaining a safe workplace:
- Policies and Procedures – Make sure all employees know their health and safety rights. Are staff aware of the health and safety policies and procedures? Is it easily accessible? Does your company handbook have a health and safety policy or a plan in an emergency?
- Training – Ensure all equipment and machinery is used safely with employees trained on how to use it properly. It’s important for employees to know where the first aid kits are and to have a dedicated staff member who is first aid trained in the event of an injury.
- Provide Safety Equipment – Make sure that the relevant safety gear and equipment is provided and worn (this will differ from industry to industry), this could be anything from masks and goggles to protective clothing and gloves.
- Signposting – Do you have health and Safety posters in your workplace? Signposting around general health and safety and fire safety is a good reminder to make people more aware.
- Take Regular Breaks and Re-Hydrate! This will help employees return with better focus and concentration, ensuring you are taking care of their physical and mental health.
- Be Aware – Report any unsafe conditions or anything dangerous as soon as you notice it and make your manager aware.
If you need any guidance or would like a full health and safety review of your current policies and procedures, get in touch with HR Revolution today at hello@hrrevolution.co.uk.
We will also have an employer’s guide to Health and Safety which is available to download for free here!
