Introducing Workplace Safety
Workplace safety is the practice of ensuring a safe and healthy environment at work. It is the sensible practice of protecting employees from potential hazards such as falling objects, machinery accidents, and other unfortunate injuries. Improper or untimely action by an individual employee may increase the risk of injury to other employees, customers, or property.
Workplace safety practices also include ensuring proper equipment, training, and supervision are in place to minimize the potential risk of accidents. The driving force behind workplace safety is to protect an employee in such a way that s/he must be able to express his or her skills and abilities without encountering harm or injury. It strives to create a healthy and safe working environment for all where everyone can reach their full potential.
Workplace safety is a crucial aspect that contributes tremendously to a company’s success. Workplace safety takes into consideration all things related to the immediate surroundings of the employees including, machinery, machinery operators, products and materials used as well as communication between employees and management.
Understanding the Importance of Workplace Safety
- Moral and Legal Requirement – Workplace safety, along with being legally necessary, is also a moral obligation of the company toward its employees. They need to protect the lives of the employees. It is the responsibility of the company to ensure that its employees, who work so hard and so diligently, are well taken care of and that no danger befalls them. Human life is above everything else! Moreover, every state has its own legislation to ensure that employees are working under safe conditions. Companies have to adhere to these rules and have to fulfill certain requirements to become a workplace fit for employees.
- Reduce Potential Accidents and Injuries – As per the estimations of the International Labour Organization, approximately 2.3 million people succumb to work-related accidents or diseases every year. This unfortunate number is why companies should focus more on workplace safety. Proactively working towards building safe working conditions for employees would drastically reduce the number of accidents and injuries. This would mean a sharp decline in work-related injuries among employees. With corrective measures, this disproportionately large number of workplace accidents can be curbed. Training, safety kits, checklists, etc. are workplace safety tools that have proven to be successful in increasing the safety of employees.
- Increase in Productivity – Investing in workplace safety is essential because it also fosters and increases employee productivity. A safe working environment creates a sense of security in the employees and reduces the risk of injury. As long as employees feel safe and secure, they will be able to focus on their work without worrying about their safety or well-being. The result is that they are able to be more efficient and productive as a result. The fact that they are not afraid of accidents, injuries, or illnesses is a huge benefit to their work, as it reduces stress and helps them be more satisfied with their jobs. Absenteeism due to injuries is also reduced which further significantly influences the rate of productivity of the employees positively.
- Heightened Loyalty to Company – When companies strive to achieve the optimal level of workplace safety, they are also sending a message to the employees that their employer cares about their well-being. As these employees feel taken care of and that their employer is genuinely concerned about their safety, they tend to be more loyal and committed to the company. This loyalty and commitment ultimately translate into better quality work and dedication to the job role. A sense of community and a feeling of belongingness is fostered by a positive and caring work environment which contributes to the growing attachment between the employees and the company. As a result, there is a further increase in productivity.
- Boost in Employee Morale – When employees feel safe in the workplace, they are less likely to experience stress and anxiety, both of which can have a detrimental impact on their mental health and well-being over the long term. Additionally, employees feel valued and respected when they know that their employer cares about their safety at work, which leads to creating a positive working environment where they feel respected and valued by their employers. The result of this is an increase in employee morale, which, in turn, results in profit for the company as well.
- Decrease in Financial Costs – The cost of workplace injuries and accidents has a significant impact on a company. There is a lot of economic loss associated with accidents that a company has to bear. First and foremost, by investing in workplace safety, companies can reduce the number of insurance claims and, in turn, also decrease their insurance premiums. Paying for injured employees is a significant financial burden on the company as well. If proper workplace safety measures are taken, it lowers the chances of an accident, thereby significantly reducing their exposure to payment of hefty hospital bills. Another significant economic benefit is the reduction of employee replacement costs. If and when an employee is injured on the job and is unable to work, the company is compelled to hire a new employee to fill the gap. This recruitment process can be costly as it often includes training costs and reduced productivity during the transition period. Workplace safety will also contribute towards lowering the total amount of man-hours lost which negatively affects the profit of any company.
- Positive Brand Image – A company’s dedication to a safe working environment will always reflect positively on the company and help it cultivate a positive brand image. A positive brand image positions the company in its target market, creates a unique identity, and differentiates the company from its competitors. Such good publicity resonates with the customers resulting in customer loyalty and long-term retention. This good reputation makes the company stand out, attracting customers and stakeholders, and creating a positive impact on the company’s financial performance. A company that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its employees is viewed as socially responsible, which enhances its positive brand image.
Creating a Safer Workplace
Since we have established the importance of workplace safety, let us briefly walk through a few tips for curating top-notch workplace safety.
- Training – One of the key aspects of workplace safety is providing the necessary training to employees. Training programs should be offered for all activities, especially hazardous ones such as tasks pertaining to construction or mining. Regular training at fixed intervals has received widespread success. The training programs should be comprehensive and practical, covering everything from basic safety procedures to handling emergencies. It is important to ensure that employees are aware of the potential hazards and how to avoid them. Resources such as booklets, online videos, etc. on various topics ranging from forklift safety tips to rules on how to load in dockyards, can also be provided so they can brush up on important information on their own.
- Implementation of Safety Protocol – Safety protocols introduced by any company are designed to minimize the risks associated with work activities. There should be a strategic process in place to ensure that the safety protocols are implemented by the concerned authority and that they are adhered to by the employees. Safety shouldn’t get limited to being only in black and white. Proper measures should be taken to ensure that employees are aware of such protocols. A proper follow-up process should be included to encourage non-conformers to follow safety rules while an efficient feedback channel will reveal the effectiveness of the protocols.
- Effective Communication – Safety is not a top-down approach. Collaborative efforts of all are necessary to ensure workplace safety. Open and honest communication between the management team and other employees is important to establish a safe working environment. Feedback from the employees should be given heed and suggested changes should be incorporated, if feasible. Both the management and the employees should be able to effectively communicate their concerns.
- Introduction of Technology – Technology has come a long way. Now, with technology implementing and curating a safe working environment has become easy. Technology plays a vital role in enhancing the safety of a workplace. For example – sensors can be used to detect potential hazards, GPS systems can be used to track and monitor employees working in hazardous areas while driving safety mobile applications can be utilized to reduce road accidents of field employees. The use of technology can help minimize the risks associated with work activities and provide real-time data to employees and management.
- Development of a Safety Culture – A safety culture is a set of values, attitudes, and behaviors that promote workplace safety. It is important to create a culture where employees understand the importance of safety and are committed to following safety protocols. A positive safety culture can lead to a safer workplace, increased productivity, and improved employee morale.
Safety First
In conclusion, workplace safety should be a top priority for every company. Ensuring the safety of employees not only protects them from potential hazards and accidents but also enhances the company’s reputation and financial performance. Every company has a responsibility to create a safe working environment for its employees.
By investing in safety training programs, implementing safety protocols, developing a safety culture, and utilizing technology, organizations can create a safer workplace. In today’s society, a positive brand image is crucial for the success of any business, and a safe working environment can significantly contribute to that. Therefore, every company should take action to protect their employees and prioritize workplace safety.
