Are you running a small business or managing a retail space? Are you wondering about the best way to maintain business safety?
Workplace safety is critical for keeping your employees safe from injury and illness. It can also help reduce your turnover and boost morale in your workspace. And a happy staff is a productive staff! To guarantee this you, or a member of stuff should complete the appropriate Health and Safety Representative training (HSR), so the staff have a specific person to lead the workplaces health and safety.
Before your team gets going, here are some important things to know about staying safe at work.
1. Keep Your Workplace Organized
Nothing is more depressing than walking into a pile of disorganized papers and clutter when you set out to start your day.
If you need to hang onto documents, make sure they are in neatly organized file drawers around your office space. Move as much information as you can online.
Encourage your employees to stay organized by supplying them with containers to file their business cards, keep their pencils, and stack their folders and spill kits. Keep wastepaper baskets in strategic places throughout the office. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your space will begin to look tidy and welcoming.
2. Stay Disinfected
There’s no doubt that today’s work environment requires extreme attention to clean.
The CDC recommends that you clean surfaces first with soap and water before disinfecting them. Any surfaces that are touched need to be disinfected regularly. Make sure space is properly ventilated before and after you use a disinfectant.
Be sure to wipe down electronics and place a wipeable cover on them if possible. Make sure to put on gloves when you clean and wash your hands frequently throughout the day.
If you have a cleaning staff, make sure they adhere to the CDC protocol for keeping surfaces clean during COVID-19. Ask them to give you a detailed explanation of they are disinfecting, and find out how you can help prevent the spread of germs.
3. Label Things Clearly
Labeling slippery surfaces or sudden steps down can do more than keep your workspace safe. It will protect you from liability and give your employees the assurance that you’re looking out for them.
Make sure signs are brightly colored and that all lettering is large and easy to read. If an employee complains about a safety hazard, make sure to take it seriously and correct it immediately.
4. Inspect For Pests
Pests like termites can eat away at your building’s structure, including support beams, floor joists, and posts. It’s critical to catch pests in time to make sure they don’t cause thousands or even millions of dollars worth of damage.
Make sure you get your home inspected regularly for pests to prevent damage. You can get more info here.
5. Provide Appropriate Heating
Required maximum and minimum temperatures vary from state to state. There also may be a required humidity range.
Colder temperatures can cause your muscles to tense up, leading your employees to experience pain and discomfort. While cold weather can’t actually make anyone sick, it can adversely affect immune response. This can make it more difficult for your body to fight off infections.
If you want to keep your staff healthy and happy, aim to keep your office space between sixty-eight and seventy-six degrees Fahrenheit at all times.
6. Provide Adequate Ventilation
Poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of mold and mildew in your workspace. This can cause problems for those suffering from allergies and asthma. It can also lead to headaches and lethargy in your workers.
Natural ventilation is the easiest way to keep air moving in your workspace. If the weather doesn’t allow for it, however, you may want to install ventilation systems ore keep air conditioners on to keep air moving into your building’s interior. You can also choose furnishings that don’t trap pollutants.
7. Ensure The Use of PPE
The advent of COVID-19 requires that employees wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE,) unless they have a medical reason not to.
Your employees may need to wear masks, shields, and gloves, depending upon the type of work they do and the state you live in.
If your employees don’t own PPE, you may need to purchase it and make it readily available to them.
8. Have First-Aid Kits Available
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires that adequate first-aid supplies be available in your workplace.
Make sure your kit comes equipped with items for minor injuries, such as Band-aids and disinfectants. There should also be gauze pads and scissors available in the event of a major injury. Your kit should also include items to keep the person handling injuries safe, including masks and gloves.
9. Encourage Breaks
Regular breaks can boost the productivity, mental well-being, and creativity of your employees. Stretching breaks can help to release tension and prevent injuries.
Your workspace may even include a stretching station where folks can stand on mats and give their bodies a little workout. Encourage them to take these breaks regularly throughout the day.
10. Talk About Safety
Meet with your employees regularly to talk about safety. Encourage them to speak up if they notice a spill or obstruction that seems unsafe.
You’d much rather be informed about potential safety hazards than notice them after it’s too late. Make sure your staff feels comfortable telling you if they notice something.
Maintaining Business Safety
In a time when most employees are just beginning to re-enter the workplace, business safety needs to be a top priority. With the right precautions and proper maintenance, your office can be a place where people feel happy coming to each day.
Don’t stop educating yourself now. For more great lifestyle advice, read our blog today.
