Imagine seeing your team at work more than they’re out sick. Imagine creating a plan for the team’s safety and well-being on the job with their input. Now imagine how good you’ll feel as a business owner or manager knowing that you’ve taken steps to reduce lost productivity by putting a plan in place to protect your most valuable asset...employees.
It's doable. And there's a lot help available for small businesses and government entities. Don't wait until you're faced with an emergency to create a plan. Be proactive. Seek help.
As a former TV reporter, I never felt threatened by my co-workers. The shootings of a TV crew and spokesperson several weeks ago is unimaginable. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and workers at the TV station.
Workplace safety plans can address a variety of scenarios including workplace violence, fires, and more.
Start Here
According to OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, one of the first steps you can take is show genuine concern for your employees' safety and well-being.
As a business owner or government official, OSHA highly recommends you start and/or maintain a culture of safety and wellness for employees.
Your staff will not only appreciate your stance, they’ll emulate it.
Already have a safety plan? Great. Does it need to be refreshed? Have you incorporated your safety plan into new employee orientation? If not, make it a priority and schedule time to get it done.
On my last job, I suffered from severe stress and anxiety from a micro-managing, overbearing and insecure supervisor. I remember being out of work for two weeks for anxiety and being put on meds to cope. My workplace wasn't safe. It was filled with stress every day.
Employees who are sick or injured at work stay home. They can’t report to work for their normal shift and this creates stress and strain on the entire team. Absent employees can also create a strain on profits.
Engage Your Employees
Let's assume you don't have a safety plan. Set a target date and stick to it, to get it done.
Discuss and establish workplace safety with your employees. Create a safety action plan so you and your employees can be prepared to react in case of an emergency like an active shooter situation, a fire, explosion or natural disaster.
This is a worthwhile investment that sadly too few small businesses make. And you’d be amazed at how sharing the company’s safety plan and procedures can help protect profits and may one day save a life.
The Benefits
Employers that invest in workplace safety and health can expect a lot in return. Reduced fatalities, injuries, and illnesses are some major benefits.
At my last workplace, I'm proud to say they made a significant investment in workplace safety and health.
I participated in a variety of employee safety training events and truly appreciate knowing how to avoid on-the-job injuries and what to do in case of a life-threatening situation like an active shooter situation.
As a result my former employer saw significant cost savings in a variety of areas, such as:
- Millions of dollars in savings from lower workers' compensation claims
- Lower employee medical expenses,
- Avoiding OSHA penalties,
- Reduced costs to train replacement employees and conduct accident investigations.
In addition to these benefits, employers often find that changes made to improve workplace safety and health can boost team's productivity and the company's financial performance.
Resources
Need help starting or tweaking a workplace safety and illness prevention program?
Here's a good place for small businesses to start.
https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/index.htm
If you're an employer who has an effective safety plan, share a comment below.