Your company’s most important asset is its employees. It is essential that they are protected while working in your factory or workshop.
Not only is an injured staff member, terrible for your companies reputation and staff morale, it can also come with large financial repercussions. Here are some tips to make sure that your employees are safe while working in your factory or workshop.
1. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Providing your staff with PPE is a legal requirement for businesses in which staff are exposed to a certain level of risk. Some examples of PPE include but are not limited to; gloves, ear plugs, face masks, goggles, hard hats, high visibility clothing, respirators, safety harnesses and safety shoes. To ensure that PPE is being used, make sure it is accessible to employees at all the times and ensure they know how to use the equipment properly.
2. Schedule regular breaks
Fatigue can be a silent killer in the workplace. Taking regular breaks from monotonousness tasks will help keep your staff safe. Ensure your staff are taking full advantage of their breaks, especially if they have been under the pump. To find out more about what breaks your staff are entitled to go to the Fair Work Ombudsman.
3. Proper training for the use of equipment
Training on the use of any equipment in the workplace is essential. Incorrect use of equipment can lead to serious injury or death. Equipment training could include: performing a demonstration, providing manuals for machinery or online training modules. Documenting the training will also ensure that the company is covered if an accident was to occur. Many workplaces carry out mandatory routine training exercises. This keeps staff up to date with how to use the equipment correctly and safely.
4. Safe Work Procedures (SWP)
SWPs are a critical risk management tool. The document provides a step by step description of a process; deviating from the instructions may result in injury or loss. SWPs show an employee how to do a task in the safest way possible and are essential for every procedure in your facility. If your company doesn’t already have SWPs, they can be purchased through various safety companies.
5. Demarcate areas for walkways and other zones
Showing your staff where they can and cannot walk is a good way to keep them safe. Using vibrant coloured tape (red and/or yellow) will make the danger zones much more visible. Outlining exclusions zones and walkways will ensure that your staff stay away from areas of danger and remain safe.
6. Slip-proof your floors
Slip related accidents are one of the highest causes of workplace injury incidents in Australia. The Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Slip Resistance Requirements state that it is up to the employer/controller of a premise to identify, assess and control risks to employees and others at a place of work. Making your floors slip-proof is easy with Cotewell. We have a range of coatings that don’t just protect your concrete but also your employees from slips trips and falls.
The safety of employees should be the number one concern within every workplace. By implementing the above tips, your workplace will become much safer for your employees; because as everyone knows, safe employees are happy employees.
Get in touch with us today, to see how we can improve the safety and quality of your work facility.
Call 1300-590-505 or email enquiries@cotewell.ekaasolutions.com.au