In the fast-paced light industrial workplace, it can be difficult to stop and take a breath. When you take time out to make employees aware of how important workplace safety is to their health and their jobs, however, it’s lost time that pays for itself with less time lost to accidents and injuries down the line. Making safety a priority at your light industrial workplace is a New Year’s resolution that will benefit your organization for years to come.
Training, Training and More Training
The best way to create a safe light industrial workplace is to make thinking about safety second nature to your employees. Train them on safe work procedures early and often. Training on the OSHA guidelines for your industry and your company’s safety protocols should be part of every employee’s onboarding process, but don’t assume that one training session is enough. Existing employees should have safety training at least annually, if not semi-annually. Posting procedural posters as reminders is also a good idea.
Make Safety Rewarding
It’s no secret that employees who feel appreciated perform better than those who feel their efforts go unnoticed. While keeping safe and healthy on the job should be its own reward, if you recognize departments, supervisors and individual employees for their dedication to safety on the job, soon all your employees will see the benefits of working safely. Consider cash or gift awards for individuals who go a year or more with no accidents, and for departments with no safety violations or accidents, implement rewards that all the employees can enjoy.
Practice What You Preach
Your employees will only take safety on the job as seriously as your company does, so if they see you slacking, expect them to start cutting corners, too. For any workplace safety programs your organization implements to truly be effective, show your employees your dedication to their safety. Post all required OSHA posters conspicuously, always follow required safety measures, make repairs and other improvements that contribute to a safe environment in a timely manner, and always have an open door for employee concerns about conditions or processes that may be creating safety hazards.
Do you sometimes feel your new hires just don’t take safety seriously no matter what you do? All the more reason to call Staffing Partners today! Staffing Partners is ready with the best light industrial candidates for your organization, prescreened and ready to work. Get serious about recruiting this year — give us a call!
