Top 5 Rules for Workplace Health and Safety
Across the US, someone is injured in the workplace every 7 seconds. This equates to around 7 million injuries annually.
In addition to being problematic on a human level, this also can cause issues for organizations. Injured employees can leave you susceptible to lawsuits and fines. That’s why it’s critical that you invest in workplace health and safety services immediately.
Here, we’re going to talk about some of the top policies that can lead to a safe work environment. Read on to protect both your workers and yourself.
1. Keep Everyone Updated
Making sure that everyone is on the same page about safety policies can stop disasters. Call frequent safety meetings to discuss ways that employees can prevent and mitigate risks. Such meetings should emphasize the importance of taking breaks from work and not cutting corners when it comes to safety.
2. Ensure Accessible Safety Data Sheets
One of the best ways that you can keep people up to date is by using safety data sheets (SDSs). These are required if your facility works with hazardous chemicals. OSHA regulations state that you need to have a 16-section form on each material readily available to employees.
If you do not have these sheets in a readable location, you’ll be subject to fines by OSHA. You can easily manage SDSs with online management software. This ensures that employees can search for chemicals in your digital database and find all associated hazards immediately.
3. Follow All Workplace Rules
Whether you’re a higher-up or a low-level employee, it’s critical that you follow all the rules around the workplace. These regulations exist to protect both the employees and the company from harm. Make sure that you and your staff review these rules and that you’re clear about what the penalties will be if they’re violated.
4. Only Touch What You’re Trained To Use
Most workplaces use some form of heavy machinery. Only those who are specially trained and licensed to operate it should ever be doing so. If you aren’t authorized to use a machine, you shouldn’t go anywhere near it or you’ll likely hurt yourself.
Share this information with your employees. Let them know that they need to get someone licensed to operate machines for them if they aren’t. You should also take this opportunity to discuss checking shelves and ladders before climbing on them to ensure their security.
5. Know Emergency Procedures
Every organization has procedures in place that go into effect if there’s an emergency. It’s important that you know these procedures like the back of your hand and relay that information to workers. Fire escape plans, hazardous material contact, and accident-related hazards should be covered in all meetings and briefs.
Promote Workplace Health and Safety Effectively
Now that you know how to ensure workplace health and safety, it’s time to get started. Contact us with any questions that you may have on SDS management.