Health and safety strategies are vital to the safety of your team and your operations. Legally, every company must provide a written H&S policy to their employees as long as they have more than 5 members of staff. Appropriate training and risk assessment audits are essential to prevent risks on the premises and ensure safe and smooth operations.
However, once you’ve ticked all the H&S boxes, it doesn’t mean your safety responsibility ends here. On the contrary, there is more to your business protection than meets the eye. Here are 5 more ways to protect your company and your employees.
#1. In-depth data analysis and insights
Data analysis sits at the heart of substantial, transformational business strategies. Indeed, experts such as The Oakland Group can provide valuable insights to help identify missed opportunities in the processes and operations. Data insights can be useful to provide simplified solutions to existing challenges, which can reduce accidents caused by ineffective processes in the company.
#2. Secured doors and CCTV
Visible security systems can help deter commercial crimes. According to specialists, CCTV systems can significantly reduce crimes, such as vehicle theft in car parks. Additionally, a security camera can prevent opportunistic burglars from entering the business premises, as they are concerned about recorded evidence. Commercial thefts can put your team at high risk, leading to serious injuries when a panicked burglar discovers someone on-site.
#3. Manage workload
Heavy workloads can affect your team’s morale, leading to high stress and even burnout cases. According to the WHO, 1 in 2 employees quit a job as a result of burnout. But for employees who can’t afford to quit or who have not found any other alternatives, long-term stress can be a source of health and safety risk. Indeed, overworked employees are less likely to be productive and attentive. Inattention is the number one cause of accidents in the workplace.
#4. Encourage transparent communication
There is nothing more damaging to a business than compartmentalising your communication. Lack of transparency can generate mistrust and resentment, as some employees feel less valued. A lack of trust can threaten operations within the team, as employees are worried they can rely on each other. For heavy machinery sectors, teams must be able to trust machine operators. Yet, when trust is broken through ineffective communication, teams can unnecessary endanger themselves through hesitation, misunderstanding, and not following the protocol.
#5. Seek investors and funding
Even with regular maintenance, heavy machinery and premises will require upgrading to remain safe. It is the business’s duty to secure funds to ensure employees can work in a safe environment. Reaching out to investors and applying for equipment grants can be crucial to preserving the health of your team. Too many small companies have faced dramatic equipment failures that have caused serious injuries to the team. There are different solutions to secure modern and reliable equipment and premises, such as leasing or seeking building improvement loans, which can eliminate the presence of machinery faults and hazardous building materials. Ultimately H&S training will not be able to compensate for a potentially dangerous workplace.
Health and safety regulations are designed to protect your employees. However, meeting all H&S requirements is no guarantee that your employees will be safe. You also need to ensure you can provide a safe and reliable working environment for your team to grow.