June 20, 2022

On November 3, 2021 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported private industry employers documented 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2020, down from 2.8 million in 2019, a decrease of 5.7 percent.

Keep your people safe and your business running smoothly.

While it may lack the bells and whistles, Workplace Health and Safety is a topic of high importance in industrial professions. In order to properly implement safety precautions and foster a culture that results in lasting sustainable protocol that prioritizes safety, productivity, quality, and efficiency, you’ll need to train all employees on best safety practices and regularly conduct workplace safety training. With such a large topic, it can be overwhelming to find the tools to fit your workplace needs. In this blog, we will examine tips, tricks, and resources on how to effectively implement workplace safety.

Resource: OSHA Online Training

OSHA opened for business in April 1971 and covered 56 million workers at 3.5 million workplaces. Today, 105 million private-sector workers and employers at 6.9 million sites look to OSHA for guidance on workplace safety and health issues.

As reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, rates of accidents and health problems in the workplace went from 10.9 cases per 100 workers in 1972, to 2.8 cases in 2018.

A great resource for all employees – workers, supervisors, and managers – is the OSHA Authorized Outreach Training online courses. There you will find a wide range of courses for various industries.

Communication

Communicate safety hazards with your peers and managers. Ensure all employees understand WHAT the safety procedures are and WHY they are in place. Host regular safety training to build and maintain emergency response skills so employees can quickly respond when incidents happen and keep operations running smoothly. Have signage to alert employees to possible hazards. Encourage workers to ask questions and speak to their supervisor if they need more help.  

Safety Signs

Safety signs and symbols are easily recognizable graphic labels that represent general protocol and safety instructions in workplaces, establishments, or public spaces. The appearance of safety signs and symbols can sometimes vary depending on the country or region, but their general goal is to communicate safety information that transcends language barriers and can be interpreted globally.

Free Download: the Required Components of OSHA Safety Signs Guide.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always provide all employees with Personal Protective Equipment to minimize the risk of injury. This can include gloves, helmets, eye and hearing protection, face masks, harnesses, and more. Check often that PPE is in good working order and fits properly.

Clean Up

Keep equipment and floors clean and free of debris. This helps you prevent slips and falls on wet or dirty floors and avoid accidents on poorly maintained tools and machines.

Take A Break

Give your employees a chance to rest, recharge, and focus. Tired employees are a liability in the workshop as they can potentially harm themselves or others.

According to the National Safety Council, 75% of injury and illnesses leading to days away from work are over exertion and bodily reaction, as well as slips, trips, and falls.

Slow Down

Encourage your team to prioritize safety over speed. Put procedures and workflows in place to intended to avoid risk and make sure all employees follow them.

Keep Records

Maintain a record of all training sessions, and attendance for those sessions so you know who’s been trained on what. Keep records of all safety incidents and accidents. Use these records to for training purposes to identify what caused the issue, how it can be prevented or handled in the future.

Finally, Stay Up to Date!

Even with extensive workshop experience, workshop safety is a skill that should be refreshed regularly. Procedures, protocols, or even equipment can change frequently in the workplace, so ensure workers are always aware and up to date with these changes.