When was the last time you evaluated your workplace safety plan?
Do you feel like your employees know how to operate equipment safely?
What plans do you have in place in the event of an accident or other workplace emergency?
If you can’t answer these questions, then you’re already putting your company in jeopardy.
In this post, we’ll tell you some of the biggest reasons why getting serious about safety training is one of the best things you can do for your employees — and your company as a whole.
Whether you need to follow more basic safety measures, or if you have specific industry-wide safety regulations you must adhere to, compromising on workplace safety is never a smart idea.
Read on to learn the benefits of taking safety seriously.
1. Safety Training Ensures Everyone Is on the Same Page
Let’s start with the most basic reason why investing in safety training as soon as possible is a smart idea for your company.
When you develop and implement a specific program, you can be sure that everyone on your team is on the same page when it comes to safe behaviors and regulations.
Depending on your industry, your employees may be at a higher risk of injury than others. In some cases, the biggest risks will be long-term effects to their health, as opposed to accidental injuries.
Many accidents happen because people aren’t aware of how to properly use equipment, don’t know the warning signs of dangerous conditions, or simply forget basic safety tips.
You want to make sure that all of your employees understand any regulatory requirements you need to follow, as well. Implement a plan for emergency evacuations, instruct your team members about proper clothing in the workplace.
Additionally, make sure your team knows that you have an “open door policy” when it comes to reporting unsafe conditions.
2. You’ll Help Protect Your Company from Lawsuits
Did you know that injuries in the workplace cost companies a shocking $62 billion per year?
Especially if you’re a newer or smaller company, the cost of a lawsuit from an employee or even an injured customer can easily put you out of business.
Though working to improve safety culture in your office might be expensive?
It’s still much more affordable than the cost of a lawsuit. In addition to paying an employee’s medical bills, you’ll also have to shell out for compensation for lost time at work.
Plus, you’ll also be responsible for making sure you can cover legal fees.
In short?
These costs can add up quickly — and often, you’ll be paying them for quite some time. Get proactive to ensure that you can avoid as many of these injuries and accidents as possible.
3. You’ll Offset Potential Indirect Costs of Accidents
According to data gathered by OSHA, about 882,000 work injuries result in missed days of work in a single year.
When looking to improve safety culture in the workplace, most companies think primarily about the costs associated with lawsuits and insurance claims from employees or even injured customers.
However, you need to consider indirect costs, as well.
In addition to lost productivity (and a rise in employee tension because of team members having to pick up more shifts due to an injured worker?)
You also need to think about the lost time and resources of finding and training a replacement employee. Additionally, consider the costs of “bad press” and a hit to your company’s reputation as a result of an injury.
Finally, consider the costs associated with fixing or replacing faulty equipment, flooring, or other materials that caused the accident. Preventative maintenance and a reliable safety training program can help to seriously offset these costs.
4. A Safer Workplace Promotes Employee Satisfaction
The final reason why safety training is so important?
Because it helps your employees feel like you have their best interests at heart. It shows you care, and that working to protect and keep them safe is a priority for you.
It also works to lower overall stress levels in the workplace.
So, what can you do when you’re ready to get more serious about promoting a culture of safety in your workplace?
Start by using an online safety program or other third-party safety regulator (like the options promoted on this website) to help you develop a strong program.
Identify the risks of your specific industry and workplace environment. For example, if you’re in the construction injury, your focus may be on slips, trips, and falls. But if you work in the chemical industry, things like dangerous chemical interactions, combustion, and long-term health effects on employees will be the priority.
Above all, make sure that you have regular monthly meetings with your team to make sure that everyone understands the rules. Invest in safety signage, schedule frequent (and unannounced) workplace inspections, and maintain any equipment you have.
Why Safety Training Matters: Wrapping Up
We hope that this post has helped you to better understand why safety training is such an essential part of your overall workplace culture.
In addition to helping to keep your employees safe and happy, you’ll also protect your company from costly lawsuits and bad press that could make you go out of business.
Remember that, depending on your specific industry and the materials your team handles, your safety needs might vary from those of other companies. It’s always best to have a professional assessment to make sure you don’t miss potential hazards.
Whether you want to improve ergonomics or make sure you understand the best way to operate a piece of machinery safely, we’re here to help.
Keep checking back with our blog for more safety tips and tricks.
