{"id":2911,"date":"2019-05-30T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-30T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonusbenefits.com\/how-to-keep-your-workplace-safe\/"},"modified":"2019-05-30T13:07:26","modified_gmt":"2019-05-30T13:07:26","slug":"how-to-keep-your-workplace-safe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonusbenefits.com\/how-to-keep-your-workplace-safe\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Your Workplace Safe"},"content":{"rendered":"

We know what you’re thinking: Did this guy fall or is he just breakdancing? When it comes to evaluating risk at work, things may not always be what they appear. Something you may think is perfectly safe could have hidden risks. And something that looks like a disaster could just be a talented employee who is really feeling the beat. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

How to stay on the safe side<\/h3>\n

When we think of workplace safety, images of heavy equipment and manual labor often jump to mind. But the truth is that on-the-job injuries can happen anytime, anywhere. Safety hazards are ever-present: at job sites, in vehicles, and yes, even in the fanciest of offices.<\/p>\n

Everyone wants to work in a safe environment but minimizing workplace risk is an ongoing job. Here are two key ways to make sure you are creating a culture of safe working habits. <\/p>\n

1. Pay attention<\/h3>\n

Not all risks are blatantly obvious, and not every unsafe practice results in a spectacular accident.<\/p>\n

Many workplace injuries happen slowly and over time. Repetitive motions can take even your best and most seasoned employees out of the game. Things like non-ergonomic workstations, heavy lifting, and frequently repeated movements can lead to repetitive stress injuries that leave people unable to do the jobs they’ve done for years.<\/p>\n

Call in an ergonomics expert to evaluate how your team is working and stay up to date on best practices for jobs with repetitive motion. Educate yourself and your team about using proper techniques and how to spot warning signs that you aren’t. <\/p>\n

As you start looking for potential safety hazards, think about how well you can see. What’s your lighting situation like? Do you have shady areas, dark corners, and too many lights out? It’s hard to work safely when you’re in the dark. Make sure your work areas are well-lit so your employees have a clear view of their work and each other.<\/p>\n

Are your employees coming to you with concerns? If so, take them seriously. Those who are working the same jobs day in and day out are well positioned to see hazards that others might miss. Brushing off concerns as merely complaints isn’t going to make your workplace any safer. It also won’t do anything to build employee trust, confidence, or loyalty.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, workers who do the same jobs day in and day out may become immune to certain job hazards that really should be fixed. The carpet roll you have to step over every day. The wobbly storage shelf. The reflective vest that disappeared. That outlet that never does works quite right.<\/p>\n

How many things has your team has simply been working around instead of fixing or replacing?<\/p>\n

There are plenty of hard-working employees who don’t want to bring attention to these “little things” or to themselves. But all it takes is the right set of circumstances for a little thing to become a big thing. Make sure you’re doing safety walk-throughs and interviews on a regular basis to identify any potential unsafe practices.<\/p>\n

2. Reward the right behaviors<\/h3>\n

Too often, employees are praised or rewarded for unsafe practices, such as:<\/p>\n