Workplace injuries are common, and they can cause tremendous financial stress for your injured worker as well as for the company. While many workplace injuries are relatively minor and are easily resolved, others may develop into a major issue very quickly. Finding a way to protect your employees is critical if you want to avoid this type of situation in your workplace.
Develop a Safety Training Program
If you do not currently have a safety training program for your employees, now is the time to develop a program. All new employees should receive extensive training in the area of workplace safety as well as expectations for their behavior, how to handle an emergency situation and more. Your established employees should also receive a refresher course periodically to ensure that everyone is on the space page in the area of safety.
Provide a Full Range of Safety Equipment
If you have an office work environment, safety equipment needs may be minimal. However, if you have a warehouse, if your team works on construction sites or if other dangerous conditions are present, you may be required to provide your team with a minimum amount of safety equipment. Some business owners even invest in additional equipment that may not be required in an effort to further protect employees from possible injuries.
Observe Employees Regularly
Just because you establish workplace rules for safety expectations does not mean that your employees will follow the rules at all times. Likewise, they may not always use safety equipment as instructed. It is critical that your team is regularly monitored or observed, such as by a manager or foreman. This should be a trusted and responsible individual who will take appropriate actions to reprimand individuals who do not follow the rules.
All violations of the rules should be documented. In the event an injury does happen, you should have documentation showing that the individual repeatedly did not follow safety rules or use safety equipment as required. If the matter turns into a personal injury lawsuit with a firm such as Kidwell & Gallagher LTD, this documentation may be critical.
Offer Immediate Medical Assistance
All injured employees should be provided with immediate medical attention that is appropriate for the severity of the injury. If the injury does not require immediate medical attention from EMS, the professional should be asked to visit a doctor’s office and to get checked out as soon as possible. You should stay updated on the condition of the injured person so that you can act appropriately.
Workplace injuries can happen in any type of work environment. Some workplaces have considerably more risks, and business owners with these work conditions should take extra steps to protect employees from harm. If you are not currently taking these steps, now is the right time to improve this situation in your business.
