You’ve probably heard it before. “Safety First.” An easy phrase to repeat, but sometimes difficult to maintain. Protecting and keeping a safe working environment for your employees should be near the top of any employer’s list and it is often too easy to overlook or forget about in the day-to-day operations of your business.
As we near the end of National Safety Month in June, we’ve compiled 4 ways to provide a safe workplace for employees in a manufacturing setting.
1. Safety culture starts with leadership.
It is your responsibility to set positive safety standards, track safety metrics and reward your employees for a job well done. Incentives are a great way to encourage your employees to take safety regulations more seriously. Everyone knows that safety is important but not everyone takes it as seriously as they should. By offering your employees fun rewards for following proper procedures, you can encourage them to take their job more seriously.
2. Initiate a safety training program.
It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming; just make sure that everyone who needs proper safety training receives it before handling dangerous materials or equipment. Here are some important topics that should be covered during your workplace safety training program:
- Operating heavy equipment and machinery
- Using power tools and other potentially dangerous devices
- Working around high-voltage electrical equipment
- Walking on scaffolding and ladders
- Understanding fire hazards and how to prevent them
- Identifying and reporting safety concerns
3. Make sure you take the proper steps to protect your employees in the summer heat.
In addition to educating your employees about the danger of heat-related illnesses, encourage them to take breaks, drink water frequently and dress for the heat. Especially if your employees’ work environment is outdoors or in a non-air-conditioned facility, be sure to stress the importance of keeping an eye on their co-workers for signs of heat exhaustion. By taking the proper precautions, you can greatly prevent the risk of heat-related injuries and dangers.
4. Continually review your work environment and work practices to control or prevent workplace hazards.
Review your safety program on a regular basis to ensure that it meets OSHA standards and OSHA regulations. Consider carrying out risk assessments so you can identify what has already gone wrong or could go wrong in the future. This will help you decide how best to manage dangers associated with each hazard in your workplace.
The Reserves Network has over 35 years of work experience helping companies protect their employees, to build a healthier, stronger workforce driven by our in-house Risk & Safety Department. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help staff your needs while keeping your employees safe.