Safety in the workplace is a concern for every business, regardless of size. However, small businesses may not have the staff required to ensure that safety programs and procedures are a part of everyday operations. Whether you conduct a shop that requires a number of safety considerations or a simple office full of workers, you should be aware of the requirements that can cause losses, a lawsuit, or a human resources department headache.
Safety and compliance must be a top priority for your SMB. Here are a few of the points you should keep in mind to stay compliant and keep your employees healthy.
Skin Protection
Many professionals work with their hands, and those hands need to be protected and sanitized every day. This is especially important in the age of Coronavirus and major workplace injury lawsuits. You must provide your employees with top hand and skin protection products, such as gloves from somewhere like Unigloves, or at least reimburse them for personal purchases, to ensure adequate safety.
Hazardous Chemicals
Chemicals of all kinds may be used in the manufacture and processing of products and should be clearly labeled and stored in appropriate areas that are away from fire hazards. However, even businesses that are not involved in manufacturing may have a number of chemicals on hand for cleaning, equipment maintenance, and other uses. Keep all chemicals stored away from work areas, and make sure that any worker that uses them are properly trained and use appropriate safety equipment.
Slip And Fall Hazards
According to a personal injury lawyer in Colorado from Bachus & Schanker Law, falls are the most common type of injury on the job, and these incidents occur at all types of businesses. Maintaining clean and well organized work areas can help to reduce the risk of falls. Employees who work above ground level should be provided with stable climbing equipment, safety harnesses, and sufficient assistance to reduce the risk of a fall. Spills, rainwater accumulation, and snowmelt should be cleaned up immediately or marked with a safety cone to alert passersby to the hazard. Equipment and supplies should be stored out of traffic patterns to avoid tripping and falls that can cause injury.
Safe Operation of Equipment
All employees should be trained on the safe operation of machinery and the equipment should be inspected regularly for signs of wear or loose parts. Guardrails should be on all equipment that pose a pinch hazard and on / off switches should be well marked to ensure safe operation. Signs alerting workers to electrical or other types of hazards should be on display where they can be easily read.
Appropriate Safety Equipment
Glasses, ear plugs, gloves, clothing coverings, and other items should be available for workers who are involved in the handling of hazardous materials or equipment. Encouraging workers to use safety equipment can reduce the number of injuries in the workplace. Make safety equipment mandatory and do consistent inspections on the equipment.
Safety First
Hazardous Chemicals
Chemicals of all kinds may be used in the manufacture and processing of products and should be clearly labeled and stored in appropriate areas that are away from fire hazards. However, even businesses that are not involved in manufacturing may have a number of chemicals on hand for cleaning, equipment maintenance, and other uses. Keep all chemicals stored away from work areas, and make sure that any worker that uses them are properly trained and use appropriate safety equipment.
Slip And Fall Hazards
According to a personal injury lawyer in Colorado from Bachus & Schanker Law, falls are the most common type of injury on the job, and these incidents occur at all types of businesses. Maintaining clean and well organized work areas can help to reduce the risk of falls. Employees who work above ground level should be provided with stable climbing equipment, safety harnesses, and sufficient assistance to reduce the risk of a fall. Spills, rainwater accumulation, and snowmelt should be cleaned up immediately or marked with a safety cone to alert passersby to the hazard. Equipment and supplies should be stored out of traffic patterns to avoid tripping and falls that can cause injury.
Safe Operation of Equipment
All employees should be trained on the safe operation of machinery and the equipment should be inspected regularly for signs of wear or loose parts. Guardrails should be on all equipment that pose a pinch hazard and on / off switches should be well marked to ensure safe operation. Signs alerting workers to electrical or other types of hazards should be on display where they can be easily read.
Appropriate Safety Equipment
Glasses, ear plugs, gloves, clothing coverings, and other items should be available for workers who are involved in the handling of hazardous materials or equipment. Encouraging workers to use safety equipment can reduce the number of injuries in the workplace. Make safety equipment mandatory and do consistent inspections on the equipment.
Safety First
Safe working conditions are achievable with awareness of common hazards in the work environment, regular safety training and an attitude of making safety a daily matter for everyone employed with the company.
I hope you enjoyed this article on workplace safety and how to keep your small business compliant and safe.
Interested in more small business strategy articles and blog posts?
Read Our Related Blog Post:
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I hope you enjoyed this article on workplace safety and how to keep your small business compliant and safe.
Interested in more small business strategy articles and blog posts?
Read Our Related Blog Post:
- 5 Ways To Host A Safe & Affordable Company Party
More Bootstrap Business Blog Below
