4 Tips for Keeping Your Employees Safe On The Job

Part of your job as a manager is keeping your employees safe and healthy at work. Regardless of what your line of work is, your employees should not be getting injured or ill as a result of their job.  

In order to reduce the chances of anyone getting injured in your place of work, it’s important that you take note of where potential dangers are and eliminate the risk of someone getting hurt. 

By identifying things in your workplace that could cause a problem, you’ll keep your work environment a much safer place.

Take a look at some of the most practical tips for keeping your employees safe on the job. 

Encourage Regular Breaks 

One of the biggest causes of job injuries and fatalities is employee burnout. Even though you may think that working your employees overtime will lead to increased productivity, the truth is that regular breaks increase productivity. 

When workers are allowed to take short pauses throughout their work process, there are less likely to burn out. When people get over-tired, they work slower and are more likely to make mistakes, which will cost you more time to go back and fix. 

Encourage regular breaks throughout the workday in order to keep your employees fresh and doing their best. 

Teach Proper Lifting Methods 

In some work environments, employees are required to lift heavy loads. In the event that employees are required to lift over 20 pounds, it’s important that they are taught proper lifting techniques. The proper lifting procedure will reduce the risk of back strain or twisting their spine. 

Employees should be given a back brace if lifting over a certain amount of weight and should be required to wear it. Back problems are the number one cause for sick days amongst employees.  It’s in your best interest to keep your employees backs healthy and injury-free. 

Wear Protective Gear  

In some work environments, you may need to require your employees to wear full-fledged protective gear. For example, environments that involve hazardous materials should require their employees to wear protective gear such as goggles or gloves. In other places, you may need to require them to wear steel-toed boots or helmets. 

It’s imperative that you check your local safety regulations to ensure that you’re following the proper guidelines. 

Reduce Stress 

Stress in the workplace can not only lead to your employees getting distracted, but it can also lead to physical reactions like illness.  It’s important that you take action to make your workplace and stress-free as possible. 

Work with your Human Resources department to develop the best possible strategy to reduce conflict and encourage communication. The result will be happier and healthier employees.