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Employees expect to end each shift in the same physical condition in which they started; unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way. Workplace accidents happen every day, resulting in a myriad of injuries — and even death.

In 2016, private industry employers reported approximately 2.9 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even worse, 5,190 workers were killed on the job that same year, reported the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Numbers don’t lie, so prioritizing safety at your workplace is a must. Here’s a few tips to promote safety at your company.

Empower Employees to Speak Up

As the people on the floor, your employees are typically the first to notice potential safety hazards. People are commonly afraid to speak up when they see something that doesn’t look right, so make sure your staff knows their voices are appreciated.

Encourage workers to come to management with issues, and create an anonymous tip form for those who prefer to remain nameless. Give people an extra confidence boost by letting them know your company fully supports OSHA’s whistleblower statues which protects those who report potential safety violations from retaliation.

Lead by Example

Workers take behavioral cues from management, so if you make safety concerns a top priority, they’ll follow suit. Never commit a safety violation yourself or ask an employee to do something you know puts them at risk. People won’t even question the need to follow safety guidelines when you make it clear there’s never an exception to the rules.

Provide Regular Training

Well-trained employees are much less likely to be involved in a workplace accident. People should always receive thorough training before using a new piece of equipment and mandatory refresher courses should be provided on a regular basis to keep skills sharp. There’s no such thing as having employees who are trained too well.

Keep Workers in the Loop

Communication is essential to a safe workplace. Safety expectations should be openly discussed as a team to ensure everyone is on the same page. If a violation is found, the entire group should be informed of it and the efforts taken to combat it. When changes are made to processes and procedures, bring the entire team together to discuss the reason they were made and expectations going forward.

Establish Safety Standards

If you haven’t already done so, put your safety plan in writing. Develop the program according to OSHA standards for your industry, customizing it to fit the unique needs of your company. Formalizing the program adds an extra layer of protection for both you and your staff. Give each worker a copy of the written manual, and when updates are needed, complete them in a timely manner.

Need a little help finding workers who put safety first? Wood Staffing is committed to workplace safety, and only partners with employers that share this stance. Contact us today to connect with talent in the Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan region you can trust to uphold your safety standards.

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