5 Straightforward and Inexpensive or Free Ways to Improve Safety in Your Workplace

by Jessica Perkins Published on July 18, 2023

Every place of work must be safe for employees and any site visitors, from customers to contractors. This is not something that will happen automatically, as it requires top-level intervention to achieve and maintain.

With that in mind, let’s talk over some of the simplest and least costly options for bolstering workplace safety.

Start by Evaluating Safety in Your Workplace: Recognize Hazards

Before you can improve safety in your workplace, first recognize hazards. Carry out a thorough safety evaluation. This will help identify potential risks.

You need to be aware of how common serious accidents at work are nationally. Fatal injuries in this context were up by almost 9 percent in the most recent government study. This means over 5000 people lose their lives each year in the US alone due to workplace hazards. If you or someone you know has been involved in a rollover accident at the workplace, it’s crucial to get in touch with a rollover accident attorney to understand your legal options.

To get the best results, you should engage each employee in this evaluation for three reasons:

They bring unique perspectives to identify unseen dangers.
It makes them an integral part of the safety improvement process.
Promotes open communication about workplace safety concerns.

Consider using free or inexpensive tools for conducting evaluations like:

Checklists
Inspection forms
Online risk assessment applications

Finally, record all identified risks and plan for their mitigation. Remember to update these records periodically as conditions change. With proper identification and understanding of existing threats, steps towards prevention become clearer and more efficient.

Employ Cleaning and Maintenance Routines to Reduce Accidents

Maintaining a clean, tidy workplace significantly reduces risks to safety in your workplace. Encourage employees to keep workspaces clutter-free. Regular cleaning prevents incidents caused by falling or tripping. Over 200,000 people are injured annually due to this type of accident alone, so it’s more common than you’d think.

To minimize danger, implement consistent maintenance routines for workplace equipment as well:

Inspect tools regularly for any sign of wear or damage.
Service your machinery according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Replace faulty equipment immediately before it becomes hazardous.

In addition, always ensure walkways, stairs, and exits are clear from obstructions. Moreover, use absorbent materials promptly on slippery surfaces like kitchen floors or near washrooms to prevent slips.

Creating a culture where cleanliness and regular maintenance are prioritized is an effective yet inexpensive way of boosting workplace safety. Remember that a clean workspace is a safer workspace!

Schedule Time for Safety Training – e.g., Watching Safety Videos

Knowledge is power when it comes to safety in your workplace. Schedule regular training sessions to keep employees updated about best safety practices.

One way is by watching workplace safety videos together as a team. The benefits include:

These are easily accessible, often free online.
They cover various topics from fire safety to proper lifting techniques.

To ensure that this information sticks, get discussions going post-viewing:

Ask employees how they might apply what they’ve learned to everyday situations.
Encourage them to share personal experiences related to the topic at hand.

This training should be ongoing and ever-evolving based on new research or revised guidelines. Make sure also that every new hire undergoes this crucial initiation towards keeping your workspace safe and secure.

Create an Open Dialogue About Safety Concerns and Suggestions

As mentioned, your employees are your best assets in improving safety in your workplace. They’re on the ground, experiencing daily operations firsthand. Encourage them to voice their concerns.

To do this, ensure there’s a system for accepting and reviewing feedback. There are a couple of options to consider:

Anonymous surveys can help ensure honest input.
Regular team meetings could have a dedicated ‘safety’ section.

Also, keep lines of communication open by:

Being approachable, welcoming ideas at all times.
Offering timely responses or updates about raised issues.

Cultivating an environment where everyone feels heard has two key benefits:

It proves that you value staff wellbeing and opinions which boosts morale.
It promotes responsibility-sharing amongst employees towards maintaining workplace safety.

Every suggestion is worth considering if it might prevent accidents or injuries. Your employee’s insight may be the game-changer in averting potential risks.

Displaying Signs or Posters: Raising Awareness of Potential Dangers

Signage isn’t just a good way to boost foot traffic and enhance advertising. Visual reminders also work wonders for reinforcing safety in your workplace. Use signs and posters as aids in sustaining workplace safety alerts.

Key areas to focus on include:

Exit locations
Emergency resources (fire extinguisher, first aid kit)
Hazardous zones

These should be clear, readable and located where they’re easily visible. Including imagery helps cater to a wider audience including those with language barriers.

Consider also utilizing wall spaces for displaying information like:

Safety guidelines,
Emergency contacts,
Procedures in case of common accidents

Refresh these periodically to capture attention anew. As a free resource consider downloading from many available online sites featuring ready-made, printable safety awareness materials.

Final Thoughts

The great thing about enhancing safety in the workplace is that it rarely requires a lot of time or money. Now you know what you need to look into, the next steps should be obvious.