The first week of May is traditionally Safety and Health Week, also referred to as North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week. Created by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), this event aims to help employers, employees, partners, and the public better understand the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home, and in the community.
In an effort to maximize safety and better prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, business owners should take this time to build out and/or improve upon safety standards throughout their organization. Here are a few ways to get started:
Follow Guidelines
Established in 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces protective safety and health standards for organizations throughout the U.S. These standards describe the guidelines in which employers are legally required to follow to protect their employees.
That said, look to OSHA and other legal guidelines when building or improving upon the safety of your workplace. You should also regularly inspect any safety measures that are put in place, in order to correct potential hazards.
Prioritize Training
Training is key to any successful workplace safety program. Employers can start this process right out of the gate by including safety training as part of the employee onboarding process.
Regular training should also be considered, as rules may change and procedures may be forgotten. All members of the team should be included in these trainings as well.
If you or your management team are not comfortable conducting these trainings, find a professional resource to assist.
Consider Additional Help
As mentioned previously, bringing in professional support can help you find flaws in your workplace's safety that you might not have found otherwise. They can also help you navigate the many legal requirements put in place by organizations such as OSHA.
These resources can also provide unique safety trainings and meetings, inspect and review work sites, provide potential safety suggestions, help build safety manuals, and so much more.
If you're looking for support with your workplace safety systems and implementation, then SynchronyHR is here to help! We offer a wide range of risk management services that help protect both you and your employees. To learn more about how we can help you improve your workplace safety, contact us today.