We're going to go a little generic in this article.
Not because we don't believe in adding value to the conversation.
But because we're fans of making things simpler.
Things should be so simple, in fact, that it's hard to imagine why we would complicate anything. But let's stay focused.
In this article, we're going to touch on the best workplace safety examples, regardless of your environment. And as you read, you'll notice how we can all do a better job of simplifying things.
We'll highlight three main points that can easily be overlooked. And these three points don't go deep into the details of personal protective equipment or lock-out tag-out procedures.
Instead, we're going high-level. We're starting with foundational concepts that can easily get overlooked. We'll discuss transparent communication, caring for your workplace, and caring for others.
We know how simple this sounds. But workplaces are in desperate need of simple.
But first, let's touch on why workplace safety is so important.
The truth is, workplaces need to be safe. And that's regardless of the environment you work in.
Restaurants should be diligent because of slip accidents. Personal gyms should be a different kind of diligent for other reasons. And let's not go into detail about the level of concern in environments like natural gas processing sites or offshore oil rigs.
As an employer, you have a responsibility to promote a safe working environment. And while there often isn't much you can do about outdoor environments, your team still needs to be prepared.
In an older article, we reported Bureau of Labor and Statistics data that showed 5,190 people died in workplace accidents in 2016. More recent data from the same report shows that the number of workplace deaths was 5,486 in 2022.
Should employers be concerned with the slight growth in such a negative statistic? Maybe.
Are we prepared to call on agencies to get more involved to bring that number down dramatically? Not particularly.
This figure might, for the most part, be unchangeable. See the number of recorded fatal workplace injuries reported over the last decade and you'll notice that the number hovers around 5,000.
No matter the numbers, the point is that workplaces can be unsafe places. But jobs still need to be done. So what does this mean for you and your business? You've got to be aware of the hazards your team faces every day. And you need to be proactive in helping them avoid the dangers they work with.
It's a matter of life and death.
Since it's so important, we'd like to quickly highlight how to encourage safety in the workplace.
It seems silly to encourage safety at work, doesn't it?
Shouldn't everyone at work naturally want to stay safe?
The obvious answer here is a resounding yes. But that doesn't mean that unsafe conditions can be removed completely.
Workplace environments must be monitored constantly, and the easiest way is to involve your team in creating the safest workplace possible. So how do you do that? We've got a few ideas.
Implement comprehensive safety training programs that cover various safety topics, procedures, and emergency response protocols. Make sure all employees receive regular training and that refresher courses are conducted periodically.
For the best results, keep trainings light and almost fun. Safety training can be dull, making it hard to keep your team engaged. The more engaging your training, the better chance your team will respond positively.
Encourage employees to actively report any safety hazards or concerns they observe in the workplace. Establish a system that allows employees to report hazards anonymously if they prefer.
Reporting workplace safety violations isn't high on most people's list of things to do. Employees often fear retaliation in some form from their employer. But this can't happen. Communication and trust need to lead to safer workplaces.
Recognize and reward employees who consistently demonstrate safe work practices. These positive acts reinforce the importance of safety and encourage a culture of safety consciousness.
A safety rewards program can be a great way to do this. We touch on what this looks like in our article on increasing participation in your uniform program.
Management and leadership must actively demonstrate their commitment to safety by following safety guidelines, participating in safety training, and addressing safety concerns promptly.
Even though a shortcut exists, it's on you as a leader to work safely. Your team is watching how you conduct yourself in the workplace. If you're not setting a good example, they won't have good examples to follow.
While these are only a few ways to encourage workplace safety, the most important involves communication. Let's dig deeper into how clear communication can help make the workplace safer.
We're not encouraging opening up company financials to all employees here. We're just talking about having open conversations about your work environment.
Employers should be open and honest about hazards and risks, and should encourage employees to report any safety concerns they may have. This can be done through regular safety meetings or one-on-one conversations.
It is also important to have a system in place for employees to report safety hazards anonymously. When employees feel comfortable speaking up about safety concerns, they are more likely to do so, which can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
In addition to being open about hazards and risks, employers should also be transparent about their safety policies and procedures. Employees need to know what is expected of them in terms of safety. They need to have the resources they need to follow those policies and procedures. This includes providing employees with proper training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other safety equipment.
By fostering a culture of transparent communication, employers can create a safer workplace for their employees. When employees feel comfortable speaking up about safety concerns, they know that their employers are committed to safety. Your team will be more likely to work safely and to take precautions to protect themselves and their co-workers.
We also see developing an ownership mentality as part of creating a safe workplace. Let's go deeper on promoting an ownership mentality within you and your team.
It's pretty easy to find examples in society where acting like an owner is discouraged.
After all, if you're not being paid like an owner, why should you care or act like an owner?
But we'll argue that this is the wrong attitude. Especially when you're concerned with safety in the workplace.
Taking pride in your work and keeping your workplace safe are essential aspects of creating a safe and productive work environment. When employees care for their workplace as if they owned it, they are more likely to be invested in their work. They're more accountable. This can lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and overall job satisfaction.
With this said, we're not going to say that acting like an owner to make your workplace better and safer will lead to a better salary. Or better retirement options. Or a more generous healthcare package. Or more paid time off.
What we are confident in is that acting like an owner at work will lead to more opportunities. More opportunities to lead projects. More opportunities to solve problems. More opportunities to earn the gratitude of your team. And more opportunities to make a better workplace.
Those all sound like wins.
Again. A wild concept.
We said at the beginning of this article that our examples are unorthodox.
I can hear it now. "So I'm supposed to care for my coworkers? Do I do that before or after I care for my spouse, kids, aging parents or any other number of personal responsibilities?"
And our answer is simply, yes. Your coworkers are human, just like everyone you personally care about. And when you care for those you work with, you show a concern for their safety.
There are some simple ways to show care for your colleagues, especially when trying to create a safer workplace. One such way includes holding the door open for someone when their hands are full of items they're carrying. Another can be to simply offering to help clean up a mess a co-worker accidentally made.
It is also important to be respectful of others' opinions and ideas, even if you disagree with them. When you show respect for your colleagues, you are creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up and sharing their thoughts.
Finally, it is important to be mindful of your own actions and how they may impact your colleagues. With a growing focus on mental health in the workplace, supporting each other is an easy way to show you care. Be aware of your body language and tone of voice when in communication.
Make sure that you are not saying or doing anything that could be interpreted as disrespectful or hurtful. By being mindful of your own actions, you can help to create a positive and supportive work environment for everyone.
As we wrap up this article, think of ways you can be more transparent with your communication at work. Consider how you can build an ownership mentality in your work, and encourage others to do the same. And remember that we sometimes spend more time with coworkers than with our immediate family. This makes it vital that we truly care for each other. These are the most basic things we can do to promote workplace safety for each other.