10 Tips for Maintaining a Safe Workplace

While worker’s compensation benefits can prevent employees from suing your business, the best way to keep premiums low is to minimize claims. Practice the following workplace safety tips to maintain the wellness of both your staff and your company.  

1. Explain and enforce general safety rules such as no running or horseplay. Additionally, limit smokers to designated outdoor areas. 
2. Ban open flames, such as candles or lighters. Employees can use candle warmers or electric candles instead. These devices, along with electric heaters, should be turned off before leaving the building. 
3. To highlight fire safety, post maps of evacuation routes in common areas, plan biannual fire drills and manually check smoke detector batteries every three to six months. Strategically placed fire extinguishers add another layer of fire safety; however, ensure that your employees are taught how to use them.  
4. A clean, tidy workplace is a healthier, safer workplace. Work areas should be regularly cleaned and necessary maintenance/repairs should be performed as soon as possible to minimize potential hazards. 
5. Trips and slips are common in areas with messy wires and open drawers. Prevent this by coiling wires neatly against the walls and closing drawers after use. 
6. Block off any spills or leaks to prevent people from slipping in them. The mess should be cleaned and/or repaired as soon as possible. 
7. Develop thorough training programs for employees who use non-standard equipment, machinery or materials. Be sure to demonstrate safety precautions, such as the use of protective clothing/equipment, and first aid protocols in the event that an incident does occur. 
8. Strengthen the building’s safety with security cameras and an alarm system to protect both the people and company assets inside. 
9. Use only ladders for climbing—no chairs or tables. Ensure that ladders are locked before climbing. Discard any broken or otherwise compromised ladders. 
10. Encourage employees with desk jobs to stand up, stretch out and take short walks every hour or so to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged muscle tension and inactivity.