Safety Procedures In A Workplace
Safety procedures in the workplace are necessary for many reasons. A safer environment is more productive, and employee morale remains higher when the staff feels that the company is concerned for their well-being. Safety guidelines also help the company adhere to federal laws regarding workplace conditions, which can prevent a fine by federal organizations such as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
Harassment
You should create a clear set of guidelines on how employees are to react to any form of harassment from other employees, contractors or visitors to the company. There are many forms, including sexual harassment, intimidation, emotional harassment or threatening behavior. In order to prevent a situation from escalating into a dangerous crisis, there needs to be a definitive way for employees to be able to report harassment either by name or anonymously. For prevention, organize training sessions for new employees and for staff members who must attend to learn about recent updates.
Walkways
Safety while walking the halls of the office can be taken for granted, but without proper safety precautions there could be serious injury or property damage. Make sure hallways are kept clear of boxes, chairs or other potential tripping hazards. Clean liquids that are spilled on slippery floor surfaces immediately. You also should install mirrors over busy walkway intersections so that people can see each other coming and avoid a collision.
Reaching in High Places
Store stepladders or step stools near all shelving units, and encourage employees to use them when reaching for items on higher shelves. Do not allow employees to reach over their heads, as this could cause a fall. Do not store supplies that are used continually, such as important papers or shop tools, in high spots. Keep them within arms reach to avoid injury from falls.
Evacuation Plan
An emergency, such as a fire, may happen at any moment. Have an evacuation plan in place and practice it once a month. Make sure all employees know where to find the nearest emergency exit. Have a system in place to account for all employees who are in the building at any given time, in case you have to evacuate.
Harassment
You should create a clear set of guidelines on how employees are to react to any form of harassment from other employees, contractors or visitors to the company. There are many forms, including sexual harassment, intimidation, emotional harassment or threatening behavior. In order to prevent a situation from escalating into a dangerous crisis, there needs to be a definitive way for employees to be able to report harassment either by name or anonymously. For prevention, organize training sessions for new employees and for staff members who must attend to learn about recent updates.
Walkways
Safety while walking the halls of the office can be taken for granted, but without proper safety precautions there could be serious injury or property damage. Make sure hallways are kept clear of boxes, chairs or other potential tripping hazards. Clean liquids that are spilled on slippery floor surfaces immediately. You also should install mirrors over busy walkway intersections so that people can see each other coming and avoid a collision.
Reaching in High Places
Store stepladders or step stools near all shelving units, and encourage employees to use them when reaching for items on higher shelves. Do not allow employees to reach over their heads, as this could cause a fall. Do not store supplies that are used continually, such as important papers or shop tools, in high spots. Keep them within arms reach to avoid injury from falls.
Evacuation Plan
An emergency, such as a fire, may happen at any moment. Have an evacuation plan in place and practice it once a month. Make sure all employees know where to find the nearest emergency exit. Have a system in place to account for all employees who are in the building at any given time, in case you have to evacuate.
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