Workplace safety is vital. From medical workers to
construction sites, manufacturing jobs to retail, anywhere workers are moving,
lifting, walking, or even sitting requires certain safety measures. While
organizations like OSHA have specific recommendations for health and safety practices you should be
aware of, here are additional ways to help increase workplace safety.

 Dos

 Do Have Extensive Training

To increase workplace safety, don’t just hand
your employees a manual or require they take a one-hour class at the start of
their employment. Create a training program with real-world, hands-on examples
of the types of situations they’re likely to encounter.

Some general topics to include are eye, respiratory, and
face protection, as well as the required personal protective equipment (PPE);
safe waste
disposal; the proper operation of machinery and equipment; and
identifying potential safety risks. Make your training specific to your
industry, and make it thorough.

In addition to preventive training, include emergency
training. Your employees need to know how to effectively handle crises when
they arise. Drill these emergency situations frequently so, when something
happens, employees immediately know what to do and are less likely to panic.

Do Make Documentation Available

A handbook is a good start. Collect all safety protocols and
requirements in a handbook and ensure your employees know exactly where it is.
Also make sure it’s easy to read and organized.

If you’re able, it’s even more convenient to have this
information in an online portal or database. That way, employees can access it
wherever they are and search for the pertinent information with specific
keywords. Having the documentation easily accessible demonstrates to your
employees that you value a culture of safety.

Do Reward Safe Behavior

Provide your employees with small incentives when they
follow safety procedures. Regularly change the rewards so employees don’t get
bored, and make sure the reward process is fair. When employees see their
coworkers getting special attention for following the rules, or even going
above and beyond them, they’re motivated to join in the practice.

Do Lead by Example

Part of increasing workplace safety is cultivating a culture
that values it. It’s not enough to train and reward; you have to lead by example.

As a leader, be confident in your abilities and consistent
in following safety procedures. Your employees will see your efforts and mirror
you. Regularly challenge the status quo and innovate new ideas to increase
safety and to ensure procedures are followed.

Don’ts

Don’t Wait for an Inspection

Don’t wait for an inspection from OSHA to implement required
safety protocols. Not only will you be putting your workers in unnecessary
danger, but your business may even receive citations or penalties that probably
come with fines or other punishments.

Instead, conduct mock inspections throughout the year to
ensure your safety practices don’t get flagged. This will help catch small
potential problems or habits before they become big ones, saving you time,
money, and hassle.

Don’t Punish Feedback

Workers on your front lines are often the first to spot
safety issues. However, if they fear retaliation from their coworkers or
managers, they may not speak up. Foster an environment where feedback is
appreciated and, if necessary, implemented.

Take this a step further by asking employees for their
opinions on possible solutions. They feel their feedback is heard and
appreciated, and they’ll feel like their input is valued. This increases
employee engagement and the likelihood that the behavior will continue.

Don’t Let Mess Accumulate

A messy work environment is a dangerous one. Make sure
aisles, especially emergency exits, are clear from all storage and debris.
Clean spills immediately, and if chemicals are involved, use the proper waste disposal
process. Watch out for tangled cords or other electrical hazards.

Additionally, don’t let clutter cover required safety
signage. Whether that’s the OSHA posters, emergency lighting, hazard signs, or
exit signs, don’t allow boxes or shelves to block these essential notifications
and reminders.

Don’t Ignore Equipment

If your business requires your employees to wear PPE, don’t
let glasses, hard hats, gloves, masks, or clothing get worn out or broken.
Regularly inspect equipment and replace it at the required intervals, or if it
stops functioning correctly.

Also ensure you have enough gear in the correct sizes for
your employees. What will fit a five-foot-four-inch tall person isn’t going to
work for someone over six feet. Don’t forget to take body sizes and shapes into
account as well.

Keep a plentiful supply of your necessary equipment. If your
employees work without their PPE, they risk injury, which also puts the
business at risk for lost profits or a complaint or lawsuit.

The Cliché is True

Safety first—it’s a cliché but it’s true. When you make safety
a priority in your workplace, your employees are happier, more productive,
and, of course, safer. You, in turn, have less stress and a better business. 

Author Bio: Jordan McDowell is a writer and content strategist with a
passion for business and leadership. He specializes in technically-oriented
content for a number of industrial manufacturing companies.