In 2022, as the world adjusts to the post-pandemic era, workplace safety has become an even greater priority. With an invisible viral threat, thousands of companies have had to restructure and remodel their current work schedules and environment. To cater to every employee’s specific needs, companies have to be more flexible in guaranteeing everyone’s welfare. So, with so many factors to consider, where do you begin? Find all about it here.
7 Workplace Safety Measures
With the added threat that the pandemic brings to the workplace, better policies and protocols have to be created to counter its. From improving the personal protective equipment to limiting physical contact, every box has to be ticked. To guide you through the new and improved safety checklist here is a quick run-through:
- Be Vigilant and Report ASAP
Risks grow even more dangerous due to their unreported nature. If left unchecked, these unsafe conditions can fester and cause catastrophic incidents. It is then crucial for everyone in the workplace to be attentive and vigilant when it comes to spotting potential hazards.
From a wet floor, crooked ladder, or a flickering bulb, these physical problems should be fixed and corrected right away.
In this digital age, one way to make sure that everyone is on the lookout for potential risks is through a shared checklist that can be shared. Once it’s ticked or updated, the rest of the workplace will be alerted right away of present dangers.
- Research Protocol Updates
With the pandemic hampering every aspect of work transactions, certain protocols have to be strictly implemented to protect both the customers and employees. These policies include the wearing of PPEs, regular temperature checks, constant sanitation, and flexible work setups.
However, in this post-pandemic world, government mandates can change from time to time as cases spike up and fluctuate. So, be sure to be notified of any updates regarding the health practices that need to be upheld in your area.
Hiring an expert in safety training from Hamilton for a quick online or face-to-face seminar that will also help in reminding employees of the dos and don’ts in the workplace.
- Create an Emergency Back-up Plan
Natural disasters and emergencies often come unpredictably and abruptly. With that said, setting up emergency and backup plans for any possible disaster scenario is important in the workplace.
Exit routes should be properly labelled, highlighted, and regularly announced to employees. While drills and seminars also have to be conducted from time to time to remind the staff of what they should do, and at the same time assess the disaster preparedness of your company. First aid kits and training should also be available in case of any workplace mishap.
- Say no to Shortcuts
For workplaces that utilize heavy machinery and equipment, rules on safety could mean life and death. When handling such devices, whether mobile or static, the prescribed instructions and rules should be strictly followed. Skipping steps and creating shortcuts could lead to fatal injuries and irreversible damage.
The time you want to save by using these shortcuts is not worth your health and well-being. If employees do experience any workplace accident, make sure to provide them with legal assistance like a reliable personal injury lawyer in Hamilton or Montreal, to help them through the bills and compensation process.
- Always Wear Safety Gears
From heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, falling debris, and infectious pathogens, the workplace is full of potential hazards. Protecting oneself through the wearing of proper protective equipment is a must for any workplace situation to avoid any unfortunate accidents.
Furthermore, ordering additional safety equipment like a forklift rear guard from Toronto can greatly help in reducing the chances of accidents. This equipment is especially useful for workplaces that use forklifts since it gives drivers more control as they use it.
6. Comply With Ergonomic and Industrial Standards
Ergonomic standards refer to the efficient design of your workplace to fit the physical needs of your employees. Industrial standards on the other hand refer to the created equipment design guidelines and policies (that are regularly improved and updated) imposed by government-based agencies, like the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
For a safer workplace, both standards should always be upheld and followed. Whether it’s an office or warehouse setup, each environment offers distinct risk factors to its employees that should be avoided at all costs. And, you can better do that through these standards.
7. Assemble a Safety Task Force
Everyone in the workplace should be responsible for promoting everybody’s safety. By creating a safety task force, each employee can be more involved when it comes to reporting hazards and executing corrective action. This system will promote a healthier workplace culture since it teaches employees to look out for one another.
Promoting a safe workplace culture requires full-time commitment. It only works if everyone in the company is involved in practicing and enforcing it. These safety policies and protocols are put into place to safeguard the employees, workplace equipment, and customers alike. Loose implementation and lenient management could lead to disastrous, even fatal results. So, strictly follow and impose these workplace safety measures, because it can mean life and death.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
