If you are in the process of developing a safety program for your workplace, you may be unsure of where to start. Some hazards in your industry may be obvious, but there may also be less obvious ones. Fortunately, no matter what industry you work in, there are some basic principles you can follow when creating your safety program.

Here are five things to consider.

1. Know the primary hazards of your workplace

Different types of workplaces have different types of hazards. When crafting your safety program, you will need to know which hazards should take priority. These hazards will vary between industries, job roles, and other factors.

For example, a construction site may be more at risk for falls from heights, getting struck by objects, or electrocution. In contrast, hazards in a restaurant may centre around food preparation or slips and falls. Each worksite should be assessed for its unique hazards, and employees should be trained accordingly.

By understanding the unique hazards of your own workplace, you can begin to ensure that you have the right safety protocol in place.

2. Know the labour requirements

Different jurisdictions will have requirements specific to their workplace safety and training. For example, a certain number of hours of safety training may be required for a particular certification. Sometimes the amount of training required will also be set by the company’s executives.

You should ensure that you are always meeting the minimum requirements, and in some cases, should even strive to exceed them. Consider also how you may want to vary training for different workers, such as those with different levels of experience.

3. Decide on the format of your safety training

There are a number of formats in which you can offer your safety training. You may choose to hire a trainer to come into your workplace for in-person sessions, or you can provide an online training program. In-person training is especially effective for hands-on learning and works well if your workplace is in a centralized location.

Online training, on the other hand, can be ideal when your workers are scattered across multiple locations.

4. Find the right provider

It is important to find the right provider for your workplace safety program. Ensure that you hire an experienced professional or firm that can offer the necessary tools, training, and resources.

5. Ensure there are regular follow-ups

Once your safety program is up and running, you should ensure there are regular reviews and continuing education and training. As changes occur within the workplace or within the industry, it is important to make sure that your employees are refreshed or updated on their safety skills.

It can be easy to develop bad habits or ones that are not aligned with accepted safety procedures, so annual refresher training can help to ensure that safety protocols are being followed.

With a safer workplace, you can have happier and healthier workers as well as a more productive workplace, positively impacting your bottom line.

Contact TeksMed today

Even when an effective safety program and accident prevention is in place, there may be times when disability management may be necessary. TeksMed offers disability management and return-to-work programs to support a quicker and safer return to work. Contact us today to learn more.