Improve Workplace Safety to Reduce Injuries

Teen retailer Forever 21 was slapped with a $236,500 fine for “unsafe working conditions” at stores in Times square and Paramus, N.J by OSHA according to a report by Crain's New York.

The employees of a company are its real assets adding value to the company each day. Workplace safety communication not only enhances the productivity of the employees but also safeguards the company's interest. Having put safety features communication at place, informing the workers of the various hazards at work can actually help the company from making a dent in its own pocket.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is the main federal agency charged with safety and health legislation. OSHA puts safety standards and regulations to be followed by companies to prevent illnesses, injuries and fatalities at workplace. A violation of OSHA guidelines can results in heavy fine being levied on an employer.

Private industry employees reported slightly more than 3.3 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2013. Here is how an employer can prevent himself from adding to that figure. Communicating safety guidelines becomes critical to managing a safe workplace environment. Making workers aware is as much important as putting safety gears in place. Employers might find themselves in a dicey situation otherwise.

Showing your employees the correct way to do it is a way better option than telling them what not to do. Human brain always registers and remembers the postie outlook. For example. Tell them to “Walk Slowly” rather than “Don't Run”.

List down potential hazards under the present working conditions. Carry out tools quality checks and maintain a checklist for worker safety gears such as disposable and chemical resistant clothing and quality tools.

A supervisor can see that workers adhere to the safety guidelines from the very first day.

Organize training drills from time to time emphasizing on safety modules. Put in place workplace safety measures and practices. Distribute heavy work among many workers or use simplifying methods. If a worker requires to carry heavy load in his back then continuous workload can cause severe back injuries. Implement push method technologies, mechanical lifts or two workers can carry the same load. Use signs where needed. A worker might slip on wet floor resulting in various injuries. Use appropriate signs and labels to communicate safety visually.