Celebrate National Safety Month with Tips for a Safer Workplace – June is the 25th anniversary of National Safety Month – an annual celebration sponsored by the National Safety Council that brings attention to ways we can keep ourselves and others safe in our communities, workplaces, and roadways. With an estimated 240 million calls made to 911 last year and the highest number of workplace deaths in over 15 years reported in 2019, this observance is more important than ever.
Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to promote workplace safety. Whether your team is in the office or the field, following these tips will reduce the possibility of life-altering injury and positively impact everything from communication to productivity.
Celebrate National Safety Month with Tips for a Safer Workplace
Follow Safety Rules & Procedures
Establishing safety rules and procedures is the first step in building a professional workplace with order and accountability. Conduct a safety analysis, be clear, highlight important information, and train your employees so they have a solid understanding of expectations and processes. If you already have a plan in place, take time to reassess it annually and make changes as necessary.
Related Reading: During A Crisis Stay Connected To Your Clients With These Tips
From the coronavirus pandemic to record-breaking natural disasters, the last 18 months have been one of the most challenging periods for call centers and support teams in fields as diverse as emergency response, utilities, and retail.
National Safety Month Is A Perfect Time To Prioritize Training
Once your safety plan is in place, make training a priority throughout the year and ensure your team pays attention. Even the most mundane task can lead to significant repercussions if not followed correctly. Also, encourage your team to keep an eye out for new employees and offer assistance when they need it. If you ever notice employees doing something against protocol, take time to show them the right way to do it.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions are one of the leading causes of workplace injury and death. If you’re operating a vehicle, using machinery, or even walking down a flight of stairs, always be alert and pay attention to what’s happening around you. Don’t use cell phones while working, avoid multitasking while performing complicated tasks, and take time for breaks to ensure you’re always performing at your best.
Be Visible
According to the Bureau of Labor’s latest census of fatal occupational injuries, 1,005 workers and drivers were killed by a vehicle in 2019 – the highest since recording began in 2003. Whether your team is on the road or working in high-impact locations such as construction sites, be alert and make yourself seen with high-visibility clothing and equipment that can prevent injury or death.
Maintain a First Aid Kit
Part of staying safe is being ready to handle injuries quickly and adequately. Be sure a well-stocked first aid kid is easily accessible wherever your team is working, including vehicles, offices, and remote locations. Some must-have supplies include bandages, gauze, non-latex gloves, antiseptic solutions, pain relievers, instant cold packs, scissors, and a first aid manual.
Keep Cool During National Safety Month
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor indicated most outdoor fatalities (50% to 70%) occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments. As we enter the hottest months of the year, understand the signs of heat-related illnesses and injuries, including heatstroke and exhaustion. Occupational hazards that can lead to heat illness include heavy physical activity, work in warm or hot indoor environments, lack of acclimatization, and wearing clothing that holds body heat.
Promote the “Why”
In any industry, keeping your team informed and engaged while discussing procedures can be a challenge. However, if everyone is not on the same page, even the slightest mistake or misunderstanding can lead to adverse consequences. Make your initiatives more effective by emphasizing why your team is being asked to perform specific tasks. By giving examples and reinforcing why safety in the workplace is important, you’ll have a higher success rate, ensuring the message is communicated to everyone.
National Safety Month is an excellent reminder to think about how you can put safety into practice in your workplace—following these tips and making education a priority will lead to safer, happier, and more productive employees. If you would like more information about how DICE’s technology can help you achieve your workplace safety goals, contact us today to schedule a virtual demo.
Copyright 2021