Safety in Business: 7 Potentially Life-Saving Tips to Enhance the Workplace

According to the latest data from the Burea of Labor Statistics, your workplace might not be as safe as you think. In total, 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries occurred in 2018.

Workplace injuries can happen anytime, anywhere. But you’re not defenseless in the fight to make workplaces safer. Here are a few tips on safety in business that you can utilize in your workplace to keep employees safe.

1. Make Employees Aware of All Exits

This is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve workplace safety. Having proper signage can save lives in the event of an emergency, so make sure all fire exits are clearly labeled.

You should also make sure emergency exits are clear of debris at all times.

2. Undergo Safety Training Each Year

Safety protocol changes all the time. To make sure your team is up to date on the latest threats and hazards, dedicate time each year to proper safety training.

Bringing in safety professionals is a great way to make sure you and your team are prepared to handle a worst-case scenario.

3. Have Your Building Inspected for Hazards

Training is only the beginning, though. You’ll also want to bring in professionals to inspect all fire exits, ventilation systems, elevators, and more to ensure everything is up to code.

If your building isn’t up to proper code, you could face severe penalties which include hefty monetary fines, as well as an embarrassing PR nightmare. Fortunately, most code violations are easy enough to fix that if you aren’t up to code, you can remedy the situation without an issue.

4. Set Clear Kitchen Protocol

Having a place for employees to heat up meals and enjoy breaks is a great idea. But the kitchen can be one of the most dangerous areas of the office due to fire and electrical hazards.

Get all employees on the same page about best practice in the kitchen, like cleaning up spills, removing spoiled food, and what to do in case of a kitchen fire.

5. Engage Employees

The safest and happiest workplaces are those in which upper management takes employee opinions into consideration.
If you’ve yet to do so already, think about ways you can involve your employees in the safety protocol process.

Designate emergency roles, for instance, or send out surveys to see what your co-workers think you could do to make the work environment safer.

6. Test Smoke Alarms Once Per Month

When a fire hits your office, every second counts. If your smoke alarms aren’t functioning, employees’ lives are in danger.

The U.S. Fire Administration urges employers to check their smoke alarms at least once a month. These tests only take a few moments.

7. Strive For Continuous Improvement

Safety in the workplace is an ongoing process. Even if you feel comfortable with your strategies and solutions, don’t get complacent.

Always think about ways you can make your job site a safer location for your employees.

Safety in Business: Your Efforts May Save Lives

Your company needs to prioritize safety in business, and these tips are a great starting point. Remember to undergo regular hazard drills and rigorous safety training.

A few moments of your time could keep your team alive.

For more tips on being the best leader you can be, make sure to check back with our blog.