A safe working environment is one in which employees feel safe at all times, and whether physically or psychologically, and even though employers can work on creating an environment that is free from hazards, risks and threats, employees also need to work with them and actively participate for their own protection and well-being, ensuring that they feel safe as such behaviors will make the work environment more homely and welcoming.
Contents
Building Confidence Through Knowledge
There is a lot that employees need to know before they start working in the workplace, as they have the responsibility of taking care of themselves and of their surroundings. There is much to pay attention to when you start working in an office, as there are lots of people around you who you need to deal with properly and efficiently, and there is also your building, which can turn into a hazard if you do not pay attention. You also need to take care of yourself, both physically and mentally, and of course, you cannot know these things until you are told about them, and also constantly reminded too. Through HR compliance training, offices ensure that their employees stay well-informed and constantly reminded, and such training is a good way for employers to invest in their employees as they become better equipped with the skills, knowledge and tools that can help them identify any suspicious behaviors.
Encouraging Accountability and Ownership in Employees
Often at times, people do not want to get involved when they see something wrong or something happens to them, and do not want the matter to escalate, and some may also believe that someone else will take care of the issue, possibly someone in a larger position, and do not care to look after the issue themselves. Such behaviors prevent people from acting as they keep shifting the blame to someone else, and the issue stays ignored.
Recognize Contributions
Another important step that you can take is to recognize and celebrate any contributions made by your employees, for example, you can dedicate a title or some sort of gift to your employees who have contributed to creating a safer work environment so that all other employees feel motivated to do the same, and you can also celebrate streaks with no incidents or offer recognition on a weekly basis during staff meetings. Your employees will begin to appreciate the company’s efforts in ensuring a safe workplace and contribute to it.
Reducing Risk and Promoting Prevention
Your employees are best positioned to report any incidents, safety or health concerns, hazards, near misses or actual incidents that take place, as they are the ones mostly interacting with the workplace. The management can’t notice everything, so educating your employees on the importance of reporting everything immediately, so that urgent action can be taken against it, is of utmost priority. Employees should be encouraged to report anything to safety managers, and regularly reminded and asked about it. They should also be encouraged to give suggestions on safety issues that suit them best. Early reports mean that action can be taken against them, and bigger issues can be prevented.
Coach Yourself First
A safe working environment is one in which employees feel safe at all times, and whether physically or psychologically, and even though employers can work on creating an environment that is free from hazards, risks and threats, employees also need to work with them and actively participate for their own protection and well-being, ensuring that they feel safe as such behaviors will make the work environment more homely and welcoming.
Conclusion
Having a safe working environment, which is not only hazard-free but also well-structured for the mental well-being of your employees, is essential for the productivity of your workplace, and ultimately for the benefit of your business, as fewer incidents mean fewer disruptions and less time of work. In the long run, the company can also have cost savings as workplace accidents can cause the company a lot of money, especially due to covering medical expenses.
