Reporting workplace injuries is never something you want to do. This task means you will incur extra costs, have operational health and safety watching your every move, and the worst part is it means someone at your place of work has sustained an injury. So, it is great to know how to prevent workplace injuries from happening in the first place. These five simple steps will help keep yourself and your employees safe while on a job site.
1. Hire smart
When looking for people to get the job done, thoroughly check a potential employees’ experience history, especially when your new hire is about to operate heavy machinery. Physical labour jobs mean you can legally require a functional capacity physical evaluation. This evaluation will prove if the worker you are considering can safely perform strenuous tasks, handle dangerous equipment, and operate the machinery required.
If, for instance, your soon-to-be employee says he/she has taken specific fall protection courses, you will be able to see if this claim is true, depending on how well they perform during the physical evaluation. Watch to see if they know how to use harnesses correctly and the steps they take to minimize their risk of an accident.
2. Communicate clearly and effectively
Communication is key especially when working on a construction site where one faulty move could mean your life. Make sure everyone on your team is aware of what their tasks are and communicates clearly where they are during the task so operations can move on smoothly.
3. Establish safety policies
Put together a safety policy and procedures manual that everyone must follow. Make sure everyone understands the requirements and re-read them when necessary. Your manual should outline what to do if something goes awry. Everyone should have a copy of the policy and adhere to the information contained within it.
4. Maintain a clean workspace
Make sure your workspace is clear of objects that could interfere with the day-to-day operations so that no one ends up tripping and injuring themselves. If an employee notices a hazardous situation like an unused cable laying across the stairwell, be clear that they can take charge by removing it to prevent someone else from falling and getting injured.
5. Provide training
Workplace training and courses are the keys to keeping your employees safe. Fall protection training or a fall protection course is important for any physical labour position. Knowing the risks of falling and how to prevent it from happening by properly tying harnesses and knowing the safety protocols can save you from complicated workers’ compensation claims. Whether your employees are working a few feet up in the air or a few stories up, training can keep everyone out of the hospital and on the job site where they should be.
Safety should always be your number one priority in the workplace.