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Health & Safety Hacks For When Training Isn't An Option


In a perfect world, you would rely on training to make your workplace as secure as possible. Teaching old dogs new tricks is the best way to minimize hazards and reduce risks. However, apart from the obligatory training that every company needs to provide workers, it isn't feasible all of the time.

You can, of course, say that this is good enough. After all, you've held up your end of the bargain re laws and legislation. Of course, this argument doesn't hold up in court, not when an injured employee sues.

So, how do you enhance workplace safety when regular training isn't an option?

Assess Your Exposure

There are hazards in every workplace, but some are more dangerous than others. A construction site, for instance, can seriously hurt anyone in the vicinity. You won't find bulky materials falling from a great height or power tools in your office, yet risks still exist. To locate them, you should assess your exposure by undertaking a risk assessment. By doing this, you'll figure out which elements of the workplace are likely to cause accidents, and you can negate them by creating simple solutions.

Remember that everything is relative. Your workers don't need to be working with hazardous materials to be in harm's way.

Install Standing Desks

You may think that back pain is benign, but A) you've probably never had it, and B) It's the leading factor in employee absenteeism. In the UK, over 30 million days are lost a year, which is no laughing matter. Thankfully, ergonomics have advanced to the point where back pain and discomfort can be discouraged with standing desks. Standing while working eliminates the sedentary element of office life, which is one reason the joints suffer.

Not only will their posture be healthier, but standing up leads to higher levels of productivity.

Invest In The Correct Tools

Don't assume that the correct equipment is the stuff that's new and trendy. Usually, it's not. The tools that you want are the ones that put safety and productivity first and don't cost a fortune. A folding sack truck is something you'll find in the majority of workplaces for a reason - it's flexible. Aside from transporting heavy goods quickly and efficiently, it folds away to save space and reduce the odds of trips, falls, and accidents.

The key is to research the specifications, and not to be tempted by fancy terms and shiny objects.

Improve Employee Perks

Mental health will cost the business a lot of resources, so it makes sense to put the issue at the forefront. By doing this, workers will know that they can talk about their feelings. Of course, actions speak louder, which is why you can't promise without following through. The trick is to boost the employee perks on offer, and this isn't a euphemism for giving them more money. Non-monetary rewards are as important to employees because they prefer a healthy balance between life and work.

This can take the form of increased break times, a discounted gym subscription, or health insurance.

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