All businesses must consider the safety of staff and visitors. Workplace health and safety is a critically important issue for all companies, regardless of their type, size and purpose.

To not only keep employees healthy and happy but also to avoid the significant financial costs of workers’ compensation claims, it is imperative that organisations take precautions to prevent and reduce workplace accidents. Specialist legal firms who specialise in workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, such as Sinnamon Lawyers , understand the far-reaching impacts of workplace accidents and their negative consequences for individual employees, staff and organisations.

Fortunately, there are ways that organisations can decrease the number of accidents occurring in their workplaces.

Communication Of Health And Safety Policy To Staff

All businesses are mandated to have a health and safety policy and, in most businesses, this needs to be available in writing and be readily accessible for employees to read. Share your health and safety policy with your staff as widely as possible and include this in induction packs and procedures, as well as staff handbooks. Health and safety policies and concerns should also be included as meeting agenda items.

Commit To Risk Assessment

Health and safety risk assessments should be carried out by all organisations. Potential hazards in the workplace should be considered and both employees and management should be invited to contribute to this process. Assessment of risks should be an ongoing process – new risks can often be identified and it is perilous for an organisation to believe that once they have carried out a risk assessment their work is complete.

Written records of risk assessments should be kept together with actions taken to decrease the likelihood of accidents occurring.

Always Deal With Hazards Promptly

Some of the most common workplace accidents are slips and falls. Many of these accidents can be prevented and are the result of slippery floors, inadequate lighting and trip risks such as cords running across the floor. The risk of accidents can be markedly and easily reduced by promptly cleaning up spills, fixing broken floors and steps, and inviting staff to always report problems with maintenance as soon as they are identified.

Involve Your Staff

As previously alluded to, workplace health and safety is not – and should not be – one way. Safer workplaces can be created by owners, management and staff sharing responsibility and committing to a safe and healthy workplace. Consultation with staff should be genuine and responsive, and information about safety hazards and potential risks should be actively encouraged.

Maintain A Clean And Comfortable Work Environment

Basic provisions of clean, sanitary toilets, sufficient lighting, and the availability of clean drinking water are to be expected in the workplace. However, it is critical that organisations also provide the appropriate tools for staff to carry out their work in a way that decreases the likelihood of injuries. Businesses must also focus on ergonomics and workstation equipment (such as chairs and desks) that promote employee health and wellbeing.

The risk of accidents can be reduced in many workplaces. It is important that all members of a workplace focus on and uphold safety, health and wellbeing and take prompt, effective action to ensure that risks are dealt with and removed.