Keeping Employees Safe: How to Reduce the Risk of Injury in the Workplace

At least 1.8 million people in the UK have reported suffering a work-related illness in the past year.  

While most types of accidents are preventable, it’s not always easy to know how to prevent them – especially if you’re only just starting out. From construction managers to factory supervisors in catering, there are certain practices that should come almost as second nature to workers across different sectors. 

What are the effects of injuries in the workplace? 

Monetary issues, physical effects, and emotional impacts are all linked to employees that have suffered a workplace injury. Often, employees still cannot return to work after their initial sick pay period has passed, leaving many without income and limiting their independence. 

Which steps should I take to prevent injuries on my premises? 

For employers, accident prevention should be at the top of your list of priorities. Not only are you legally required to extend your duty of care to your staff, but taking proactive steps to keep people safe will ensure the longevity of your business too.  

A few basic safety preparations and procedures you should know about include: 

Write a health and safety policy 

If you employ five or more people, you need to have a written health and safety policy.  

By writing and distributing this document, you’ll show your employees that you take their health and safety seriously. In turn, their trust in your leadership will increase, and they should respect the measures put in place to protect colleagues. 

Report all accidents onsite 

To protect yourself and your business, it’s imperative to report any accidents according to procedure as soon as they occur. Failure to do so could result in serious consequences, with the risk increasing if any current or former employees make a personal injury claim following an accident at work. 

Keeping detailed records will show your employees that you take accidents seriously and are invested in their safety. You’ll also have more information to help with future risk assessments, as you can use your records to assess and update current measures. 

Approach safety proactively 

Your commitment to ensuring employee safety should be a personal one. Along with conducting frequent risk assessments, you should physically check working areas, conditions, and equipment to make sure that they meet the appropriate safety standards. 

Of course, you should always supply your staff with the correct personal protective equipment according to official regulations. 

Keep equipment safe 

Industrial machines and equipment should be inspected and maintained regularly to keep it operating safely. Along with standard PAT testing for smaller appliances, larger ones should have official safety inspections conducted by trained industry professionals. You may be required to 

Consider individual responsibilities  

While you might be responsible for any company-wide documentation, it’s a good idea to delegate safety responsibilities to staff in appropriate areas. For example, if you employ a supervisor who oversees a group of junior or trainee colleagues, their role should extend to ensuring their health and safety – along with training on relevant safety procedures. 

Manage the risks 

From operating heavy machinery to driving forklifts, there are certain workplace activities that should be considered higher risk. Whenever these are undertaken, it’s imperative to make sure that you’re aware of the staff involved, their training levels, plus times and durations of use. 

Concluding thoughts… 

In any industry, employee safety should be taken extremely seriously. Whether you’re a company owner or an onsite manager, it’s crucial to keep up to date with the latest laws and regulations concerning keeping your company – and its employees – safe, healthy, and protected.