Safety is important, in the modern world, and if we don’t take action during our working day to make ours and others a safer place to be, then damage can be done. As a ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU), you are responsible to provide and maintain utmost safety in your business and property. But let me ask you: Do you assure your business is safe from all possible hazards? As the health and safety representative for your business, you should. This may mean you need to undergo HSR training to ensure you can say “yes” to that question. Our latest blog post covers 5 reasons why workplace safety needs to be at the forefront of every business owner’s mind.
1. Prevent serious injury
In recent years we have seen the rise of workplace related injuries. While it is always difficult to prove causation, it seems that workplace safety practices can play a critical role in reducing these risks. To the casual observer, little might seem different in many workplaces, but these same places are often plagued with injuries and workplace disputes. This is particularly true in workplaces where health and safety management has not yet been implemented effectively, nor where norms and standards have not been established.
A corporate culture that encourages a holistic workplace safety management at all levels of an organisation, would ensure that workplace hazards are not ignored or downplayed which reduce the chances of workplace related accidents, injury, or deaths.
A good practice: Many businesses have a Workplace health and safety management system. The WHS management system helps manage workplace hazards; identify health and safety risks, threats and hazards to company employees and the public; create an appropriate plan to manage safety concerns and respond to safety incidents. Additionally, it allows for stricter procedures, better communication, recognition and education within your workplace regarding these practices; and provides for the provision of effective tools such as first aid kits, personal protective equipment (such as a face shield, closed-circuit television or PE kit) which adds up to help make workplaces safer for everyone. First aid training is also essential to ensure workplace safety and to be able to handle any accident and emergency that may arise. Click here to learn more about first aid and CPR training courses.
2. Improve productivity and performance
A comprehensive workplace safety program designed to protect the physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being of each individual employee can make employees feel supported which can lead to improved performance and productivity. Research shows that people who are comfortable working in a work environment have better performance than those who feel like they are on their own in a space that is not as safe. In short, having a safe space where employees can complete their work without problems reduces absenteeism, improves the quality of service/product, and customer satisfaction while furthering organizational overall objectives.
3. Reduce Financial loss
The cost of a workplace injury can be devastating. When employees are injured it costs a lot of money both to them and to your company – The bigger the potential for injury then the bigger the sticker price of relevant liability insurance policy and premium. And in some cases, business owners are responsible for all costs. And worse, if the business is closed for any length of time and operations cannot continue? Financial ruin may be just around the corner. Preventing preventable accidents saves businesses from liabilities, fines, equipment repair/replacements and health costs – saving companies money.
4. Boosts business reputation
What are potential customers, vendors and business partners thinking when they hear that your company is involved in an accident. Do they just see dollar signs? Of course they don’t; they are seeing injuries – which can have adverse effects on your business and reputation especially if a large number of accidents happen in your workplace.
It is true that your workplace can etch your reputation as an unsafe place down your back and be perceived as an unprofessional company in the process. So what is the solution then?
The solution lies in ensuring workplace safety. Business owners who care genuinely about worker safety can have peace of mind knowing their company has in place a strong workplace safety program to publish, show off and share with customers, vendors, and business partners. Invariably this would score them some good points. A company the public sees as taking the safety responsibilities seriously would get good publicity and better reception than one that doesn’t.
6. Improve employee morale
If there’s one thing you need to protect, it’s the morale of your staff. Team spirit is often more important than training and equipment when it comes to workplace safety.
Accidents are devastating, imagine walking into work and somebody is just not there anymore. Imagine how it feels for their colleagues and the ripple effects on your whole workplace? At the end of the day, what’s important is to show that you take the safety concerns and welfare of workers seriously – this can improve morale and show employees that you do care.
A proactive approach to workplace safety draws on everyone’s input and leads to better relationships between management and staff, better training and ultimately a happier work environment – one with lower accident rates and less businesses insurance claims
Conclusion – How to ensure your business’ workplace safety
The good news is you can protect your business from unwanted safety mishaps with a Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Management System. The program helps keep accidents at bay and promote a positive workplace culture that will make your employees feel valued and respected.
Fewer injuries and illnesses mean lower medical bills, increased productivity, and a happier staff. All of these things are important in the long-run, which is why it’s best to tackle workplace safety from the start. If your employees feel safe to do their jobs then they’re more likely to do them well, which forces the business to improve as well.
