All employers have strong incentives to create a safe workplace. Besides a desire to keep valuable employees safe, employers undoubtedly have additional motivation related to avoiding lost productivity and other business costs associated with workplace injuries. Making safety a company-wide team effort helps employers create a safe work environment for everyone.

Many safety-conscious employers have a dedicated safety manager on staff to make the rounds to assess the possible dangers present in the workplace and to monitor employee adherence to safety protocols. These managers oversee the use of hard hats on a construction site or the adherence to safety standards for machinery usage. Even jobs that do not require manual laborers using heavy machinery can benefit from a safety manager inspecting the premises for violations. For example, a chronically wet floor, a lack of adequate ventilation, or a need for ergonomic seating or tools might be caught and remedied by a diligent safety supervisor.

What Policies Should be Implemented?

The best policies for employers to adopt are always going to be specific to the work tasks being performed. Broadly speaking, employers can make a concentrated effort to establish routines that work to protect their employees by making clear that the protocols are mandatory and by giving employees the tools they need to succeed.

The first step employers should take is to come up with safety protocols and procedures that can help mitigate the dangers of the job. These policies should address the mechanics of how to perform job tasks safely as well as how to keep workspaces free of hazards.

The second step is to provide safety training as an integral part of the onboarding process for new employees, as well as on an ongoing basis for team members. There should be constantly evolving plans to meet new safety requirements. Through these training sessions, employers should provide insights and reasonings for the safety measures that are being implemented. Employers should also encourage employees to be mindful of safety while they are working.

Another important safety measure is for employers to provide essential personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the job, such as industrial goggles and respirators for chemical workers. Employees should also be provided comfortable workspaces and tools to avoid repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Employers should also provide adequate breaks as a safety precaution. Not only will rest help with overexertion and strain injuries, but it could help replenish the energy and focus that are needed for jobs that require physical strength.

An additional suggestion for employers is to consider assigning safety-related supervisory controls to a staff member who can keep tabs on how company efforts are working and remedy any issues. Employers must also provide a way for employees to take action. Employers must provide an avenue for employees to anonymously report safety infractions that may endanger fellow employees.

What Causes Workplace Accidents?

Many workplace accidents happen because of oversights or a lapse in protocol. Even in companies where detailed and extensive safety procedures exist, a lack of effective implementation or the inconsistent use of safety practices can cause unnecessary accidents. The most important aspect of a solid safety plan is that to be effective, it must be put in place and practiced routinely.

Employers who have protocols in place must call on every team member to take safety precautions seriously. All employees must be on board to keep each other safe. However, it can be incumbent upon the business owners and managers to institute appropriate policies and provide training and protective equipment to support and safeguard their workers. Some methods to avoid workplace accidents and injuries include:

• Keeping walkways and workstations clear of clutter.
• Maintaining access to emergency response kits or emergency exits.
• Modeling healthy attitudes toward preventing injuries. Use universal rules and stringent workplace safety measures.

Many workplaces are plagued by the disregard for safety protocols. Employers must impress upon their teams that company safety is not optional.

If you were hurt at work, you might be able to collect compensation for your related injuries. Whether you were hurt in a construction accident, a workplace slip and fall accident, or another on-the-job accident, your employer’s Workers’ Compensation program should provide benefits.

Wilmington Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow Help Employees Hurt on the Job

Safety procedures are important to follow in the workplace, and your employer should have strict protocols in place. Our experienced Wilmington Workers’ Compensation lawyers at Rhoades & Morrow can help you obtain your entitled benefits after a workplace accident. To learn more about how we can help you, call us at 302-427-9500 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. We have offices located in Wilmington, Bear, and Milford, Delaware, and we proudly assist clients throughout Middletown, Dover, Milford, Lewes, Rehoboth, Elsmere, and Seaford.