As a EHS manager, the last thing you ever want to happen under your management is a workplace accident.
That’s why you should always look for ways to minimize theses occurrences as much as possible. In this guide you’ll learn some great tips that will help your company’s workplace a much safer enviroment.
#1. Keep the work area organized and clean
A cluttered work area makes it difficult for workers to find things, see what they’re doing, and avoid tripping over obstacles. A clean facility is also much safer than a dirty one.
#2. Improve lighting and ventilation in indoor areas
Natural light can reduce eye strain as well as improve worker morale by letting natural daylight into the building.
Natural light tends to make indoor spaces feel larger than if artificial lights are used solely for illumination or shadows created by artificial lighting are lacking sunlight’s natural contrast or brightness.
Ventilation systems should be working properly so that workers aren’t breathing stale air or suffering from poor air circulation.
#3. Maintain adequately functioning equipment in good repair
In case of emergency, it is important that all required means of egress are working as intended and all handrails, stairways, ladders are in good condition.
Furthermore, the facility should be free of potentially dangerous trip hazards such as grease or other slippery substances on floor surfaces or poorly lit areas where a worker can easily trip and fall.
In addition to making workplace injuries less likely to occur through careful planning, physical obstacles may also limit how much damage a worker faces should they be injured anyway.
#4. Provide workers with proper safety training and supervision
All employees should receive regular refresher safety training from their employers; this ensures that they know what to do in case of emergency and how to use the equipment safely.
Training should also be provided on proper lifting techniques, which can prevent many back injuries and other muscle-strain accidents.
Supervisors at all levels should work closely with their subordinates to ensure that they are doing their jobs safely and efficiently.
#5. Ensure that any hazardous substances used daily are handled correctly
If employees must handle potentially dangerous chemicals on a regular basis, make sure that they have been clearly instructed in what precautions they need to take when handling these liquids or gases.
Such as making sure that they don’t breathe in any fumes or leave containers open where sparks could ignite them and remind them regularly about such safety procedures (especially during training sessions).
Also make sure that all possible waste products are disposed of correctly.
#6. Require the use of fall-protection equipment for all workers who must work at a height
Make sure that proper precautions have been taken to keep workers from falling, including ensuring that they are wearing personal safety harnesses and lifelines as well as other appropriate fall-protection gear such as safety nets or safety lines.
Make sure to train them in how to operate this equipment properly and allow them regular practice sessions so that they can become proficient in using it.
#7. Pay attention to hazardous conditions outside the workplace
It is also important that employers pay close attention to what may pose a hazard outside their facility—for example, broken fences which might entice children into an otherwise off-limits area or any falling debris which may damage their building.
These indicators of possible problems can be found by performing a regular hazard assessment and inspection on the company’s property.
#8. Establish systems to ensure that unsafe conditions are not ignored
It is important to have clear procedures in place for dealing with issues such as workplace injuries, hazards, environmental problems so that they do not go unnoticed until it is too late to resolve them.
For example, by establishing a dedicated meeting every day at a particular time where workers can report these types of concerns directly to management representatives.
By following this procedure regularly, employers can catch most issues early on and take action before there is serious injury or damage occurring.
#9. Prevent workplace injuries through good maintenance of equipment
In addition to ensuring that the environment is safe at all times, employers must also make sure that their equipment and machinery is in good working condition.
For example, if a machine malfunctions or breaks down, it may necessitate an emergency shutdown of operations; otherwise injury could occur.
Employers should train workers on how to safely shut down such machinery prior to any breakdowns so they can quickly remedy the problem without there being injury involved.
#10. Ensure regular facility inspections take place regularly
Finally, employers should make sure that their facilities are inspected regularly by qualified third-party safety inspectors.
These professionals can look for anything out of the ordinary such as cracks in walkways or stairs, slippery floor surfaces, or missing safety equipment, which could indicate a hazard.
Workers must be trained to report any unsafe conditions they notice at the workplace and should be aware that they are personally responsible for other workers’ safety if they fail to do so.
#11. Educate employees on the dangers of excessive force
Because lifting heavy objects is a common cause of workplace injuries, employers should educate their workers on how to avoid using excessive force when handling these items.
This is especially important for manual laborers or others who may be doing physically demanding jobs…
#12. Encourage the use of personal protective equipment
Encouraging employees to use gloves and shoe covers, as well as other forms of personal protective equipment (PPE), will help prevent them from coming into contact with harsh substances which could harm them—for example liquids containing chemicals which could irritate skin if not protected by a suitable glove.
#13. Require regular training on emerging safety issues
Employers must keep abreast of the latest workplace safety issues and make sure their workers are up to speed as well.
For example, new regulations may come into effect which could affect how certain machinery is used; by teaching employees properly on how to comply with these changes, employers can help prevent serious injury or harm in their facility.
#14. Assess the possibility of a fall while at work
There may be times where a worker falls at the workplace during an accident—for example if they walk into something which makes them lose balance and plummet over a ledge or through some other opening…
#15: Have adequate First Aid facilities in place
Because there will always be injuries that occur despite best efforts, it is important to make sure you have proper First Aid facilities available to deal with them.
Employers must also train workers on how to use these facilities effectively in order to provide the best care and reduce the likelihood of any further injury occurring prior to professional medical help arriving.
#16: Communicate with your employees on safety concerns
Hopefully, by following the above suggestions employers will be able to create a safe environment within which their workers can produce excellent results every day without putting themselves at risk of injury or harm.
To make sure you are doing everything possible, however, it is critical that you communicate regularly with employees about safety concerns so they know what hazards might exist and how they should handle them…
#17: Keep first aid kits stocked with all necessary supplies
First Aid kits should always contain ample supplies to treat injuries. Employers should look for a kit with bandages, antiseptic solutions, splints and even tourniquets in order to have access to whatever supplies they might need.
#18: Install safety equipment such as fire extinguishers
Because fires are very dangerous, employers must make sure that all their workplaces are equipped with adequate fire control equipment.
The most effective means is to install fire extinguishers—they can be used if there is a small blaze before it becomes uncontrollable.
#19: Train workers on how to use safety equipment properly
Employers should make sure they train all workers how to use any machinery or tools which could pose injury risks if not operated correctly.
For example, forklifts usually require a certain level of training before employees can operate them, and workers must know how to properly use their PPE…
#20: Provide safety shoes where needed
To help prevent falls, employers should consider providing special slip-resistant soles for their workers’ footwear.
This will ensure a safer workplace by preventing employees from losing balance if there is anything slippery on the ground. Employers may also want to provide rubber mats near any heavy machinery.
#21: Offer emergency eyewash stations in areas with chemicals
Sometimes it is necessary to work in environments which have dangerous chemicals—for example laboratories or factories that deal with dangerous materials like acids or flammable liquids….
#22: Install sprinkler systems where appropriate
In addition to installing fire extinguishers, employers should consider installing sprinkler systems to contain small fires before they become uncontrollable. These are very effective and can save lives if used properly.
#23: Offer training on how to use fire extinguishers for employees
Employers must make sure they train all workers who might be in danger of a fire while at work how to use the fire control equipment available.
Everyone must be aware of the location of fire extinguishers, understand which type is appropriate under different circumstances and know how to actually operate it.
#24: Train workers on First Aid procedures so they can respond appropriately in an emergency
As mentioned earlier, employers have a duty to provide adequate First Aid facilities for their worker.
But even with these installed and stocked, it is still vital to make sure all workers know how to use them properly. This means training workers on how to respond in medical emergencies.
#25: Make sure your First Aid facilities are kept stocked and well maintained
Employers should make sure that everyone who uses the First Aid facilities at their place of business knows where they are, knows whom to contact if necessary.
And understands what equipment ought be stored there. Regular maintenance and cleaning should also be carried out.
#26: Organize regular fire drills in order to practice safety procedures in case of fire
All workplaces must have a procedure for responding in case of fire so that people know what to do immediately if there is a major blaze.
To ensure everyone is prepared, employers should organize regular fire drills so that employees know how to respond in emergency situations….
#27: Install smoke detectors and provide adequate fire extinguishers
While taking sufficient measures against fires is essential for every workplace, it is also important to plan an escape route in case of a blaze.
Employers must make sure all workers know where the nearest fire exits are—and especially if their work area has no doors leading outside, employers must install and maintain smoke detectors.
#28: In hazardous areas, avoid using flammable liquids or gases for cleaning
When working in laboratories or other places with large amounts of flammable materials, it is vital not to use these substances for cleaning.
Using them to clean equipment can cause small fires which could easily become uncontrollable without proper precautions.
#29: Keep generators and other electrical equipment away from flammable materials and chemicals
In similar circumstances, employers should not store gasoline or other flammable liquids near the power generating equipment.
Instead, they should install foam fuel systems that will automatically contain a fire if one occurs so it does not spread quickly.
#30: Develop written safety policies and make sure employees understand them
People are more likely to act according to their training when there is an emergency if they know what is expected of them beforehand.
Therefore, all workplaces should develop written safety policies outlining workers’ duties in case of fires, medical emergencies or any other dangerous situation.
#31: Make certain everyone who works in hazardous areas is properly trained
In some circumstances, employers can use qualified people who are not actually employees to carry out dangerous tasks related to the business.
However, these people should still be properly trained on how to act in an emergency and understand their duties as workers.