As an employer it is legally down to you to ensure the work environment and equipment is safe for your employees. However, it’s not only a one way street. If you want to comply with the law and do everything possible to avoid an accident, potential legal problems and employees making an accident at work claim, your employees must also be responsible for their actions and play their part in the health and safety of your company. You can encourage your employees to work safely by sharing the following five tips with them.
Your Door is Always Open
Make your employees know that you are there to talk and encourage them to come to you with any health and safety concerns. While you may not want the headache, complications or expenses now, it makes sense to deal with problems as they arrive because you will be saving a lot of problems in the long run. Never make your employees feel that they cannot come to you with their concerns, and listen to everything they tell you. Once you’re made aware of risks and hazards you can take the right action to reduce or remove them. Always welcome input and information and inform your employees who they can approach regarding the subject if you’re not available.
Training is Always Available
As an employer it is your responsibility to provide adequate training for all your employees. Make sure each employee is trained to the latest legal standards but ask them to inform you about any additional training they feel they might need. Each time the job changes (due to new responsibilities, new work colleagues, equipment or working methods) your employees should be given the appropriate training and made aware of the new risk assessments that have been created. Ask your employees to tell you if they are still not confident with the training so that you’re able to act accordingly.
Breaks are there to be Taken
Many employees will work through their breaks, but this poses risks. Make sure that your employees know when they are to take a break and how long they’re legally entitled too. Also encourage multiple smaller breaks for workers so that they are able to take care of their basic needs and remain alert. Tiredness results in many accidents and they can often be avoided by ensuring workers don’t overwork themselves during working hours.
Stress Busters
Provide your staff with stress busting options at work. Breaks play a part in this but you can help by providing a relaxing area for employees to hang out in during their down time. Adding a pool table or tennis table is a great way of reducing stress at work and it’s also a good way of encouraging creative thinking. Holding regular meetings, both as a group and for individual workers to catch up and discuss any areas of success or weakness helps to ensure everyone is working towards the same goals and gives workers an opportunity to offload their concerns in a safe environment without any repercussions.
Image source stevepb/pixabay.com