Business owners are responsible for keeping the workplace safe and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliant. But accidents still happen. When a worker, customer, or client is injured, it is upsetting and there are often long term consequences. All business owners can reduce risk and maintain a safer, healthier workplace by taking the following seven steps:
- Ongoing training. Every new employee must be trained both on the duties of the job and on the safety procedures of your enterprise. If you do not have training manuals, direct instruction from an experienced employee is another option. If your business has serious safety risks, you owe it to yourself and to your employees to have safety training sessions on a regular basis.
- Adjust your priorities. All businesses tend to focus on productivity, with safe work practices often taking a back burner. If you change your priorities so that all employees see that your focus is on safety, not only will they be happier, but the risk of an accidental injury is reduced and productivity can actually increase.
- Keep all safety gear in good repair. If your company uses safety equipment, is critical to check it on a regular basis. Some types of safety gear that were previously common may no longer be considered safe. OSHA provides information to employers regarding personal protective equipment.
- Do not accept unsafe work habits from employees. Even the most seasoned employee cannot be allowed to cut corners. Demand safe work habits from all employees, with no exception. Keep a log of employees who violate safety regulations, including the date, time, event, and how you remedied the violation.
- Do regular inspections to identify new safety risks. Business owners focus on increasing productivity, but adding a regular safety inspection can save you in the long run. Finding better ways to keep workers, customers, and clients safe is always a good idea.
- Get your workers’ compensation insurance reviewed. It may be time to get your workers’ comp policy evaluated by a professional. As you add employees or new procedures your company’s needs can change. Get help from a local workers’ compensation agent who can visit your facility and review your policies to ensure you have adequate coverage.
- Have your current general liability insurance policy reviewed. These policies protect against claims for bodily injury, property damage, loss of data, and personal injury. If an employee is negligent, your company could be held liable, so it is important to take a full review of your existing coverages each year.
A Focus on Safety: Protecting Against Risk
We make ourselves available to business owners, as they carry a heavy burden of responsibility for the safety of both workers and customers. When you focus on safety, it can go a long way towards helping your enterprise advance to the next level of profitability and success. Your insurances are a critical part of your overall protection against risk. Unexpected accidents happen, even for the most careful employers. That’s when your insurance can save you from severe financial damage.