Safe Workplaces: 10 Tips To Get On Track

Each year, thousands of businesses and organizations are found violating regulations put in place by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA. Many of the problems businesses face within their work environments are due to negligence and can be entirely avoided with the right foresight. Even the most ethical organizations may unknowingly be putting employees in danger. The following 10 tips can help any business or organization concerned about workplace safety to get back on track, or even to begin to take notice of any issues before they present a serious problem.

Remove Hazards

Look around. Could anything fall on any employees? Is there an area of flooring where employees have to step lightly because it is always slippery? Invest in safety stair treads, nonslip flooring or even a non slip coating. The cost of installing these items is minor when compared to possible medical expenses, insurance premiums and any accrued violations.

Comply with OSHA Standards

Be familiar with OSHA standards and follow them accordingly. Staying in line with OSHA requirements will ensure a safe place for employees.

Examine Equipment

Review the equipment and tools that are being used by employees. Have employees report any broken equipment or faulty tool so it can be replaced. For larger scale operations, designate an individual to oversee equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.

Use a Coding System

In businesses that use many tools, chemicals, and/or equipment that is used by a variety of personnel, make things easy to identify. Labeling company items with tags, colors or numbers can aid an employee in using the proper item and presenting less risk of injury.

Communicate with Employees

Keep an open door policy with employees to share concerns and comments about safety-related issues. Equally, educate employees about workplace safety and the steps to report an issue.

Provide Medical Exams and Training

Sometimes it is required for employers to provide medical examinations, especially after a work-related incident. Follow suit, and accommodate injured employees so their injuries receive care.

Keep Records of Injuries

The legalities of work-related injuries can become complex, however, documenting each and every injury is essential if a problem does arise. An injury log is a simple task that can save businesses money in the event of legal action.

Provide Access to Records

Aside from keeping records, making them accessible to personnel and their families is just as important. Ensure employees know where these logs are kept, who to speak to about reviewing them and when they can view them. Leaving employees “in the dark” about the status and location of these logs presents opportunity for legal action.

Do Not Discriminate

If an employee exercises their rights through OSHA, it is important to not discriminate against that employee. Not only can this make for a worsened relationship, but also opens doors to further legal action.

10.  Correct Violations

Lastly, if a business is ever cited with a violation, it is important to rectify the situation as soon as possible. Notify all employees of the violation, especially workers that are in the specific area of the problem. Post the violation for all personnel to see until the situation is resolved.

As the importance of workplace safety is a number one priority for a business or organization, following these 10 steps can help maintain or improve the environment for personnel. Many injuries, lawsuits, and associated costs can be avoided by being active in maintaining a safe work environment. Developing a safe and secure workplace is an investment within the company and its employees; be aware of hazards and work with personnel to make things safe.

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A colleague and me had this idea for a music video on workplace safety, so we roped in all the art teachers to help out in the short film / music video! Let us remember safety tips in a fun way! We submitted this work for the “Safety Starts with Me Competition 2009″ organised by the Workplace Safety and Health Council (Singapore). Didn’t get any awards, but the whole process was very rewarding. We had lots of fun writing the lyrics, composing and arranging the song, shooting most parts of the film on green screen, getting the costumes and sorting out the colour coordination, making the styrofoam props and the cardboard background, choreographing the dance sequences, doing the digital illustrations, compositing the visual effects, adding the subtitles and finally editing the film! The video is available in HQ version too – just click on the HQ tab! Catch the karaoke version – www.youtube.com