Developing and Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Work Environment

From risk assessments and workplace inspections to regular employee consultations and safety training, there are several actions employers can take, to protect employees and create healthy work environments. In this article, we share tips to help employers establish and maintain their safety management systems, while simultaneously achieving regulatory compliance, enhancing business processes, and strengthening employee morale.

On April 28th, we celebrated World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The theme this year focused on a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work. Annually, World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally, as well as to remember those colleagues who have lost their lives through workplace accidents.

Placing consistent effort in the items listed below should assist you in developing a safer workplace, regardless of the size or type of business you are involved in.

  • Be familiar with safety and health legislation and industry best practices.
  • Identify and address risks.
  • Provide safe systems of work and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Provide employee safety training.
  • Implement safety reward and recognition programmes.

To demonstrate an appreciation for safety and health at work, we should strive for promoting risk-free conditions for our employees as well as other persons who may be affected by our work activities. Considering the tips below, should assist businesses in creating and maintaining healthier and safer work environments.

Tips on How to Create a Safe and Healthy Work Environment

1.         Be familiar with safety and health legislation and industry best practices – Employers are required to comply with the Safety and Health at Work Act, 2005 and other applicable legislation governing reporting of accidents.

What can be the consequences of breaking these laws? In instances where companies violate the laws, whether unknowingly or willingly, they may face warnings, civil monetary penalties, or even criminal sanctions. As employers and business owners, we should be familiar with these various pieces of legislation and ensure that our management teams are also. Likewise, strive to be best in class, by researching industry best practices and implementing such where possible. Most importantly, be aware of the important aspects they cover about healthful working conditions and avoid breaking the law.

2.        Identify and address risks – Prioritise the identification of the most widespread types of hazards in the workplace and implement control measures to reduce the level of risk in the following areas listed below.

  • Physical (uncomfortable temperature, poor lighting, lack of fresh air, electrical injuries, fire safety risks, and so one.)
  • Organisational and workflow stressors (excessive workloads, violence, harassment.)
  • Ergonomic (improperly adjusted chair/workstation, awkward posture, vibration)
  • Biological (viruses, bacteria, fungi.)
  • Chemical (paints, glues, gases.)
  • Slips, trips, and falls

This can be achieved via proactive monitoring activities such as regular workplace inspections, periodic environmental monitoring, and employee health screening, all supported by risk assessments.

3.        Provide safe systems of work, including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Develop safe working procedures to govern how tasks are to be executed. Provide adjustable workstations, and tools that will eliminate awkward postures or repetitive motions. In instances where persons are working at elevated levels, introduce mechanical lifting equipment (e.g. scissors lifts).

Employers may also need to provide PPE such as hard hats, gloves, earmuffs or earplugs, safety shoes and goggles, personal fall arrest systems, respirators, or safety vests/suits. Consider using appropriate fall protection measures including guard rails and warning signs. Additionally, ensure buildings have alarm systems for fire and burglary events installed. In some business operations, there are panic buttons that can be used by employees in an emergency. These can be installed under a desk.

4.        Conduct regular training for employees – Despite the fact that educating employees should be a consistent part of a workplace safety plan, many companies find it rather challenging. Make it a habitual practice so that the training processes are organised regularly via an annual training calendar.

Below is a list of some training topics, you might find useful for your company:

  • Introduction to safety and health
  • Risk Assessments
  • Accident Investigations
  • First Aid/CPR
  • Fire Safety & Emergency Response
  • Manual Handling
  • Working at Heights/Fall Protection
  • Chemical Safety

5.        Recognise your employees’ achievements in maintaining safe work practices – A good safety culture can be nurtured and enhanced by recognising and rewarding your team members, for consistently demonstrating and delivering on their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. Consider delivering effective feedback and promote safe behaviour with rewards and recognition.

Below is a list of possible incentives for your safety reward and recognition programme:

  • Paid time off/Staycations
  • Gift cards
  • Safety Champion certificates/badges
  • Bonuses
  • Organisation-wide verbal praise

The five areas outlined in this article, applied as part of an overall safety and health management system, can easily kick off or reinvigorate any existing programmes. Remember, management commitment to all of the areas identified, especially those related to mental health challenges, are equally as important as the more traditional areas of occupational safety and health. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) should be available and information easily accessible to everyone. Policies and procedures governing these areas should also be developed and communicated to all employees.

Creating and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment can be an exciting and dynamic endeavour. Consultations among line and management teams, can unlock innovation in business processes, foster teamwork and a greater sense of ownership and commitment to the company’s overall success. Embrace the future, monitor how safety in your company evolves and adapt your strategies accordingly.