While staffing agencies typically cover any workers’ compensation costs for onsite accidents involving either permanent or temporary employees, an organization’s insurance premiums are still affected following a claim. As such, it’s important for companies to monitor, ensure and enforce workplace safety standards before an accident occurs. Not only is it important for the health of the individual worker, but it is also important for the health, success and continuity of any business within the 21st century.

Analyze Potential Risks and Hazards

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as OSHA, there are a number of common workplace hazards that may pose a threat to the safety of your employees. While this depends on the specific industry and company you are with, some common hazards include mechanical, electrical, chemical, ergonomics, atmospheric conditions and even weather. In some cases, potential hazards include radiation, extreme noise, falling objects or projectiles, and more. Because there are so many different types of hazards, some of which are unique to certain industries or positions, it is important to analyze any potential safety risks and implement a safety program that is relevant to the workplace.

Communicate With Your Employees

Workplace hazards that simply cannot be eliminated should be communicated to your workforce in a clear, straightforward and serious manner. Make sure your staff is properly educated on the principles of workplace safety, as well as the dangers of any specific machinery or equipment within your specific workplace. Moreover, make sure your staff is aware of any emergency protocol, including evacuation procedures and emergency response plans.

Cleanliness

Maintaining cleanliness within the workplace is critical to ensuring the day-to-day safety of your staff members. While this is especially true in warehouse or factory environments – where there may be oil, grease, lubricants, cleaning products and heavy machinery in use on a regular basis – it also applies to any and every worksite. Make sure areas of high traffic are clear of any trash or debris, including empty boxes or packaging materials. If possible, set aside a short amount of time each day for cleaning. Not only is this a great way to reduce the number of safety incidents within any workplace, but it is also a great way of winding down at the end of a long shift.

Receiving Assistance

If your organization does not have a dedicated safety program in place, don’t be afraid to reach out for assistance. In fact, OSHA can even be called in to perform an inspection on their own, the results of which can be used to formulate a safety plan for the future. Other resources, including various specialists and consultants, can also be utilized to assist in the development of an effective safety program.

Measuring Success

In order to measure the success of your newly introduced safety procedures, you’ll need something to measure them against. Use previous records, including injury reports, lost work hours and used sick days. Compare this to the latest records and you should be able to see a noticeable difference. Ultimately, this difference will lead to decreased workers’ compensation costs, lower medical fees and, as a result, lower insurance premiums.

Automation Personnel Services has the resources to help fill any number of job positions, manage your payroll and a number of other services.  Contact us today to work with one of the top light industrial staffing firms with offices throughout the United States.