subject: Essential Workplace Safety Procedures [print this page] A safe workplace is a successful workplaceA safe workplace is a successful workplace. Without basic workplace practices in place, there really is no telling what can happen when things do go awry. Furthermore, having basic safety procedures in place insures you against the risk of damaged property and potential lawsuits from staff and visitors.
The team of business consultancy experts at Genesis Direction International have spent years guiding businesses of all sizes through the basics of workplace safety. What we have listed for you below are the most essential safety practices for you to put in place before it is too late:
Incident reporting procedures: This procedure should outline what types of incidents are reportable and who to send the incident reports to within the company. Make sure you provide a standardised safety reporting form to accompany the procedure. You will not be able to regulate safety hazards in the workplace if accidents, injuries and safety threats are not brought to your attention. Incidents that are reported should be investigated and the company should come up with safety solutions to prevent future reoccurrences.
Fire safety procedures: Current legislation requires employers to abide by particular fire safety procedures, covering all aspects of employee safety. Fire safety procedures should list items that are considered hazardous, reportable and prohibited. For instance, exposed electrical wires, flammable chemicals and personal electrical devices, including space heaters, have the potential to overheat and catch on fire, so these items might be on the hazards list.
Security procedures: Such procedures require employees to abide by certain safety precautions. For instance, employees should not let strangers wander through the office unattended, the building doors should remain locked during non-work hours and suspicious behaviour should be reported promptly. In addition, employees should never give anyone outside of work their keys to the building, or any access codes.
General cleanliness: This impacts staff health, safety and morale "" your company will not reach its maximum potential if good housekeeping efforts are not practiced. Good housekeeping procedures include addressing slip-and-fall hazards by mopping up spills and leaks immediately after they happen. Beyond this it is important to keep all common areas clean, including kitchens, bathrooms and meeting spaces.
It really doesn"t take much to keep your business safe and secure "" all you need are the workplace practices listed above. For help establishing each procedure, give us a call on (07) 3229 8854. At Genesis, we are dedicated to give you all the direction you need to run an efficient and successful business.
