It is everyone’s right to work in a safe environment, which is why health and safety procedures form an integral part of any business. Health and safety procedures guarantee that employees have a productive and safe workplace whether they work in an office or at a construction site.
- Risk Assessments
Every business must conduct risk assessments where there are potential workplace hazards. Each hazard must be identified and a risk management plan must be outlined, starting with the most important risks first. Often, risk assessments can lead to improved operations.
2. Sufficient Lighting
It seems obvious, but it is necessary to provide adequate lighting at workstations and around the work site. In cases where natural light is not available, florescent lights can be used.
3. Good Hygiene and Cleanliness
For every employee, a clean workspace is essential. You should ensure that your building and work area, floors, fixtures, and furniture are cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial and germ build up that can cause illnesses to spread between employees.
4. Fire Safety Protocol
A fire risk assessment will identify fire hazards and the people at risk. All new employees must undergo an induction and evacuation procedure. In the event of a fire, there should also be someone who is responsible for evacuating the building or area, taking a register of those present, and calling emergency services.
5. Manual Safety Protocol
It’s crucial to follow safety procedures thoroughly when performing manual jobs that involve lifting and using machinery and ladders. Lockout/Tagout systems and combination padlocks are a great way to ensure that specialist equipment is used safely and stored properly.
6. Acceptable Noise Level
The presence of noise in the workplace can be distracting and intrusive. It might be time to speak up to your employer if you have loud, outside noise coming into your office. This is especially true if you have to raise your voice when trying to speak to somebody. Wear hearing protection if you operate loud equipment or work with loud noises.
7. Electrical Safety
A full electrical risk assessment should accompany the installation and testing of electrical equipment. Electrical machinery should be equipped with an isolator or switch to turn off power in an emergency. If you come across any faulty cables or plug sockets in your workspace, they should be covered and marked as ‘do not use’ and replaced.
- Staff Well-being
The health of employees is paramount for any company, so it is vital that employees receive help when they need it. In order to promote a healthy working culture, make sure your company has a Human Resources department that can deal with issues related to mental health and overall well being.
