Workplace injuries and illnesses have a huge impact on a company’s bottom line. According to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers nationwide pay almost $1 billion each week to cover workers’ compensation costs. In order to prevent workplace accidents and minimize these expenses for your employer, you need to be proactively identifying the health and safety hazards in your workplace.  

Adhere to a Safety Checklist

Your employer has probably already outlined a safety checklist, and if there isn’t one, be sure to advocate for one. Your supervisor has surely trained you in the health and safety rules that apply to your state, and prioritized the ones that pertain to your specific industry. Review it regularly and make sure you and the rest of your teammates are following the rules and specifications.

Look out for tripping hazards

Trips and falls are the most common safety hazards and causes of workplace injuries. These serious injuries are usually expensive, preventing people from working for days and even weeks at a time. They’re also usually totally avoidable! Keep an eye out for boxes, tools, equipment or other debris that are lying in walkways. Spills and leaks are also dangerous for people to slip on. Signs and hazard cones should be put out immediately to warn people and should be cleaned up as thoroughly as possible. If you act as soon as possible, you can prevent your busy, hardworking co-workers from injuring themselves.

Consider the Lighting Concepts 

Lighting is often overlooked, but it’s extremely important. If there’s not adequate lighting, employees can’t see well enough to avoid tripping hazards or other accidents. Plus, improper lighting can cause workers to strain their eyes, bringing on headaches, migraines, and other ailments. All areas, including work stations, hallways, stairwells and outdoor areas should have sufficient lighting to guarantee safety.  

Inspect Air Quality

If your workplace has poor ventilation, dampness or moisture, contaminated air or ongoing construction, you and your co-workers could suffer from headaches, fatigue, pneumonia and other respiratory ailments. You should always be keeping tabs on temperature, humidity and air flow, and identifying mysterious odors, water damage or other leaks. Check your heating and air systems on a regular basis to make sure they’re working properly and that your spaces are radon and asbestos-free. 

Keep Your Space Sanitary and Germ-Free

The workplace is a common place to transfer germs – lots of different people interacting, trading paperwork and sharing equipment. It’d be easy for you to touch a contaminated surface without even realizing it. Keep your work station as clean as possible and make sure bathrooms are cleaned at least once a day. Be sure to wash your hands after you use the restroom and before you eat, and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Consider keeping hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes in an accessible place, so you can eliminate as many germs as possible.

Staying on top of your workplace safety hazards and proactively correcting them is the best way to keep you and your team safe. Many everyday accidents can be prevented by increased education and awareness. If you are a manager looking for a staffing solution that works for you, contact ICR Staffing Services today.