Generally speaking, your company has a good safety record. However, you know it could be better.
You want to do everything in your power to keep your workers from becoming another injury statistic — but jobsite accidents happen all the time. In 2020, private industry employers reported 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Stepping up safety measures is something you’re committed to doing, but you need to stick to a budget. Thankfully there are plenty of ways to accomplish this without spending a lot of money.
7 Budget-Friendly Tips to Increase Safety at Your Company
Properly Screen Candidates
If you ask the right questions, you can tell a lot about a candidate’s focus on safety during their job interview. This will help you avoid hiring people who clearly don’t make safety a priority.
For example, questions like “Tell me about a time you made a mistake that resulted in an injury” or “How have you handled past co-workers who behave in a reckless manner?” can tell you exactly what you need to know about the person.
Encourage People to Speak Up
When workers see something that isn’t right, saying something can literally save a life. It’s very common for employees to be afraid to do so because they fear they’ll get in trouble. Make it clear that no one will ever be reprimanded for speaking up, so people don’t hesitate to report possible issues.
Seek Worker Input
As the boss, you make the rules, but you don’t always have all the knowledge. Your employees have a front seat to everything that goes on at your company, so ask them for help in creating and updating safety rules. They’ll likely be able to add input you wouldn’t have thought of on your own that will make a difference.
Provide Thorough Training
Ensuring all new hires are properly trained before starting their jobs is a must. It’s also important to provide periodic refresher training to existing employees, as it’s not uncommon for people to become a bit lax with safety as they become more comfortable with their jobs.
Lead by Example
Workers look to you for guidance, so set a good example of how you want them to behave. If you don’t, most people won’t follow the safety rules you have in place because it will be hard to take them seriously.
Focus on Safety Innovation
Your current safety practices might work well right now, but there’s always room for improvement. Always be on the lookout for ways to do things safer and more efficiently. This might mean introducing new practices or investing in new equipment — that fits your budget.
Equip Your Team With Quality Tools
Safety incidents happen when workers don’t have the proper equipment. This doesn’t mean you have to purchase the most expensive, top-of-the-line tools, but do make sure the equipment is high-quality. Ensure this by reading reviews and regularly checking with employees to see if they’re having any issues with their gear.
Searching for new hires who share your commitment to safety? Wood Staffing wants to find the perfect fit for your Michiana company. Contact us today to get started!
