Your workforce are your most important asset. Even though that is true, it can be difficult for employers to manage workforces effectively. Often, ensuring health and safety compliance can be put on the back burner whilst other issues and topics get prioratised. Health and safety is a growing concern, as new generations of workers are increasingly sensitive about their health and tend to gravitate towards employers that have strong worker safety programs in place. In addition, regulations are getting tighter and failure to comply could have serious consequences for businesses.

There there are some simple measures that can greatly improve health and safety compliance around the workplace and ensure the company acts responsibly towards its workers. Here are some basic principles of workplace safety that can be readily applied in a broad range of companies:

Good safety procedures are half the job

A large portion of health hazards stem directly from a lack of supervision. Improper use of machinery or chemicals can be even more hazardous, mandating strict procedures for anyone whose job involves such activities. It’s equally important to know who’s in charge of checking whether safety requirements were met and initiating the process of replacement of faulty or worn out items. Introducing clear accountability is the first step towards better protection of workers and facilities, but it’s crucial not to stop at legislating the changes and push through with implementation of all relevant procedures on a day-to-day basis.

Using advanced software to improve office safety

In complex work environements, it can be difficult to monitor all the factors that can endanger employee health. This task can be simplified by the use of advanced software solutions that allow remote tracking of key parameters around the office. Systems like Mitrefinch’s can improve access control, security procedure verification, operations management and information sharing, among many other things. Training programs can be administered more broadly, and participation can be tracked more precisely and jointly for all departments.

Training the employees for critical situations

No matter how hard you try, you can’t completely eliminate the chances of a workplace accident. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for every eventuality and train the workers how to react if there is an emergency. Practicing fire drills or urgent evacuations may be tedious, but it makes a crucial difference if the disaster strikes. Of course, training should be adjusted to actual risks typical for the area and the type of business. Employees performing physical jobs should also receive detailed instructions about handling heavy items or walking on elevated surfaces, since those situations can easily lead to injury if they the workers don’t know exactly what they should be doing.

Providing psychological support and counselling

Mental health can be an afterthought when occupational hazards are considered, even if this attitude can lead to serious problems and loss of key workers. HR departments can provide an outlet for workers who are feeling pressured, and to work on elimination of bullying and other types of psychological violence. By putting as much effort into emotional wellness alongside physical wellbeing, accounting and professional services giant Deloitte said employers would get back between £1.40 and £9.40 for every £1 spent on helping and educating staff. The effort is worthwhile for employer and employee alike, and needs to be addressed through training, communication and leadership.

Here are some of the things you could incorporate into your business quickly:

• Mental health awareness campaigns
• On-site clinics offering psychological interventions
• Train mental health first aiders
• Offer access to a network of professional therapists

Find out more

For information about how Mitrefinch can help you become health and safety compliant, call us today on 1300 884 831 or email sales@mitrefinch.com.au.