Accidents can happen anywhere, even in the workplace. Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, you get injured.
So if you want to keep your office environment safe for you and your employees, here are ten simple ways to do that:
1. Always use the correct safety equipment
We use safety equipment as an additional precaution for employees to protect them when they handle risky jobs. Examples of this equipment are goggles, masks, gloves, safety helmets, boots, hearing protectors, and high-visibility clothing.
The usage of safety equipment may vary from different industries. Usually, a person uses these when handling chemicals and acids or if a person works in construction and might get injured due to falling debris.
But, no matter what industry it is, the most crucial part is that employees should get training on how to use this safety equipment. They must know what equipment to use in a specific task. Failure to do so might result in serious injury.
2. Identify potential hazards
We recommend walking around the office and try to recognize any potential danger. These are anything that can cause injury to an employee if not removed or repaired.
Anything from a slippery floor or wobbly railing can pose as a threat.
Next, make a list of every potential hazard you saw and take note if it needs to be removed or repaired. Then, create a hierarchy of priority to know which of the potential risks needs to be taken care of immediately.
If possible, you can post warning signs so employees can be extra careful.
3. Bring in an Occupational Clinician
To make sure that you don’t miss anything, bring in an occupational clinician to do a thorough check at your workplace.
These are people who evaluate offices and asses which areas would need improvement.
4. Add ergonomic backrest on office chairs
You tend to spend several hours sitting at your desk when you’re at the office, and this is not very ideal.
If you don’t have an ergonomic backrest and support for office chairs yet, then we suggest you get one. This will help prevent you from hunching and twisting your shoulders and slouching your back while you work ‒ excellent in preventing back pain.
Not to mention that you’ll be able to focus better without your back hurting.
5. Take regular breaks
Don’t overwork yourself and learn to take frequent breaks. Short breaks that take a few minutes off the computer, such as standing to get some coffee, can help refresh your mind. Doing so also boosts productivity.
6. Don’t work under the influence
It’s a common policy among companies to prohibit employees from going to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs due to obvious reasons.
If you’re intoxicated, chances are, you won’t be able to think clearly and won’t make logical decisions. So, don’t drink before going to work and never drink while you’re at work.
7. Manage stress
Work can be stressful. You’re not getting enough sleep, you’re overworked, you fought with a colleague, you feel uninspired, etc. This is normal.
However, you should find ways to cope up with it or your performance will keep on deteriorating.
You can seek help from someone or find a habit that you would enjoy. If you need to take a break and go on a vacation, then do it.
Sometimes, all we need is a change of scenery to feel better again.
8. Schedule regular air conditioner servicing
Having good air quality inside your office is very important. Who can concentrate on working when they can’t breathe well, right?
Hence, Maid Sailors Maid Service Jersey City advises that you schedule maintenance of your air conditioner regularly to avoid allergy attacks. And while you’re at it, schedule a deep cleaning session.
This way, you can ensure that the whole office is fresh and clean.
9. Avoid praising accident-inducing employee actions
Think about this. If your employee is taking several hours of overtime, does he still take some rest? Do you think he is still able to sleep well? What if he is too tired on the way home and got himself into an accident?
It’s nice to see a hardworking employee, but if he is overworking himself, tell him to stop instead of praising him. This way, you can assure that your employee would get enough rest to perform at his best always.
10. Reward safety-conscious behavior
If you want to reward your employees, reward them for being safety-conscious.
You can create a contest where they would need to identify and report any potential hazards they find in the office. Or, if they’re using the proper safety equipment. Praise them if they’re taking breaks instead of getting angry.
These small things are important so your employees would know that you regard their safety very much.
We should all learn to be cautious in anything we do if we don’t want to end up in a hospital. So, wear those safety gear, don’t overwork yourself, take some rest, and observe good behavior always.