It’s the new year and what better time to make some resolutions? Nope, we’re not talking about promising that you’ll drink less or hit the gym more. We’re talking about improving workplace safety. Here are the new year safety considerations that should be on your list.

Why review workplace safety?

HSE statistics show that employees self-reported over 693,000 workplace injuries in the year 2019-20. 525,000 of these resulted in workers having up to a week off work. 168,000 injuries resulted in them having more than a week off. Workplace injuries can be costly for employers and employees. That’s why it’s important to think about safety considerations and take them seriously.

Safety considerations for the new year

Is your workplace safety record more ‘could do better’? Here are some things that can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on your premises.

Always provide employees with the right safety equipment

If you need PPE, you need PPE. It’s not negotiable. If things like safety goggles, respirators, boots, and hard hats are needed, then provide them. Don’t cut corners and let workers go without. Providing them with faulty or inadequate equipment is also just as bad. Giving your people the right PPE should be at the top of your list of safety considerations.

Encourage employees to report hazards

Hazards can cause accidents and injuries, so encourage people to report them. Think of it like this; if you don’t know about a hazard, you can’t fix it. Accidents and injuries will happen and they will cost you dearly. Don’t create a culture where people turn a blind eye and only take action when something serious happens.

Clean and obstruction-free floors are one of the biggest safety considerations

29% of the self-reported workplace injuries we mentioned earlier were slips, trips, and falls. Many of these will have been completely preventable if you keep clean and obstruction-free floors. Remind people to clean up spillages immediately and to pay attention to general housekeeping. Work areas should be free from clutter and there should be no trailing cables or wires. Easier said than done in a busy workplace you might say. However, getting things organised can be far less costly than paying injury compensation.

Keep work equipment well-maintained

Equipment that’s not well-maintained is not only inefficient, but it can also cause accidents and injuries. Keep an up-to-date maintenance and cleaning record for each piece of equipment you have.

If you want clarity on safety considerations, talk to people

The easiest way to identify hazards and risks in the workplace is to talk to employees.

  • Is there someone who’s doing a job on their own that’s meant for two people?
  • Could there be a safer way of doing some tasks?
  • Is there a piece of equipment that needs attention?

However, you can find out all this and more by just asking people. Asking the right questions will help you determine what the most important safety considerations are. The bonuses of doing this? Employees will be happy that you’re considering their safety and you get to change things before something goes wrong.

Here’s to a safer 2022! For more workplace tips and articles, check out the rest of our blog.