4 Tips for a Safer Work Environment



Whether you’re 1,000 employees strong or a small group of 10, workplace safety should never be taken lightly in any business.

Safety is a top priority for many workplaces. It is the ‘cornerstone' of success as most companies rely on the hard work of both the management and its employees. If you think about it, losing sight of the importance of workplace safety often results in serious consequences. Workplace accidents, great human suffering, and lost profits are just some of the results of poor safety compliance.

It is essential, therefore, for every business owner to comply with the legal requirements for workplace safety standards set by the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S). It is the employer's legal duty to ensure that the workplace is safe for everyone – from employees to customers, visitors, contractors, volunteers and to the general public.

Workplace Safety not only satisfies OH&S requirements, but it is also crucial for the long-term success of any business.

Here are six workplace safety tips in creating a safer work environment for the employees:

1. Awareness of the Job's Hazards
Stay aware of your workplace surroundings and be mindful of the new and unfamiliar hazards that may arise. Being aware of these hazards is the first step in eliminating them and reduces the odds of workplace injuries. Take a critical look at each job process with an eye toward identifying and correcting the hazards. Once the hazards are identified, find creative and effective ways to eliminate them.

2. Keep the Workplace Clean, Organised, and Clutter-Free
The leading causes of workplace injuries are slips, trips, and falls. Which is why it's important to keep the work areas clear of tools, dust, clutter, and other potential hazards. Paying attention to the tidiness and organisation of the workplace is crucial to your business success.

3. Develop a Strategic Plan
Your workplace should have a documented ‘plan of action’ in case an emergency occurs. Every employee must be familiar with the plan, including evacuation, emergency exits, first aid, etc. The emergency action plan should be evaluated on a regular basis to ensure its effectivity.

4. Conduct Regular First Aid Training
Make safety a team effort by having the employees participate in a workplace first aid training. It is important that everyone is educated about safety requirements and understand what is expected of them in an emergency. Proper first aid training will teach employees what to do, how to do it, and who's in charge in case of an emergency.

Since people tend to forget their first aid training over time, the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and Work Safe Australia recommends refresher training to recharge employees' knowledge of first aid procedures. Employees should refresh their CPR component annually and renew their first aid certificate every three years.

First Aid Pro offers first aid training classes to keep your business and your workers safe. Our first aid courses are updated annually in line with the OH&S regulations and Safe Work Australia Standards.


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