A secure workplace is both a regulatory requirement and an effective method of boosting productivity. From an HR perspective, creating a safer workplace improves employee morale, motivation, and overall well-being – all critical in nurturing an atmosphere where productivity and creativity thrive.
In this guide, we cover four main strategies ranging from training to physical security strategies that can help secure the workplace, meet regulatory requirements, and encourage productivity.
1. Comprehensive and Continuous Safety Training
Health and safety in the workplace starts with employees having a strong understanding of the inherent dangers of the working environment. It is important to note that this is not a “train and forget” process, training should be an ongoing process that equips employees with the wherewithal to work safely.
Among the practices that can help achieve this are:
- Initial training sessions: Introduce safety protocols and emergency procedures to new employees.
- Regular refresher courses: Keep safety knowledge up-to-date and address new hazards or changes in procedures.
- Incorporating feedback and learning: Adapt training based on employee feedback and emerging safety trends.
Training can be considered the “foundational” strategy of any robust safety policy. At the end of the day, the human factor is still the biggest threat to safety. This is ably demonstrated by a UK Government report which states that 90% of workplace accidents are caused by human error.
2. Development of Clear Safety Policies and Regular Audits
If training is considered the foundation of a robust safety strategy, the development of clear safety policies can be considered the backbone of the strategy. This means the development and continual monitoring of clear guidelines that ensure each employee is aware of their role in maintaining a safe workplace.
Among key points to consider here are:
- Establishing comprehensive policies: Clearly define safety rules, responsibilities, and procedures.
- Scheduled and surprise audits: Regularly review and assess the workplace to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Action on audit findings: Promptly address any issues identified during audits to continuously improve safety measures.
Grey areas in safety will always exist in safety measures unless there are clear rules that specify procedures and responsibilities. This is the backbone that structured, clear, and comprehensive safety policies provide.
3. Promotion of Open Communication
Encouraging open communication within the workplace is vital for identifying and addressing safety concerns promptly. A culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their observations and concerns can lead to significant improvements in safety measures.
- Feedback channels: Establish clear and accessible channels for employees to report safety concerns.
- Regular safety meetings: Hold meetings where employees can discuss safety issues and suggest improvements.
- Recognition of contributions: Acknowledge and reward employees who actively contribute to workplace safety.
By encouraging an atmosphere of open communication, HR departments establish a workplace ethos where concerns about potential safety issues are freely discussed and – importantly – quickly addressed.
4. Integration of Physical Security Measures with Technology
Gone are the days when physical security measures comprised individual systems all working separately. The marriage of technology with physical security components has paved the way for integrated systems that are greater than the sum of their parts.
An approach that uses an integrated security system not only enhances safety but also streamlines the management and monitoring of safety risks.
Key components to consider include:
- Advanced surveillance systems: Employ CCTV and other surveillance technologies for continuous safety monitoring.
- Access control systems: Use electronic access controls to manage entry to sensitive areas effectively.
- Emergency alert systems: Implement technology-based systems for rapid information dissemination during emergencies.
The rise of technology like cloud computing and AI has prompted a dramatic evolution in how we approach physical security. When married with modern hardware like advanced business security cameras, this approach can help both with prevention and response to safety incidents.
Additional Key Strategies for Workplace Safety
Alongside the core strategies discussed, other vital measures contribute significantly to a comprehensive safety approach in the workplace:
- Employee wellness programs: Implement programs focused on mental health and physical well-being, recognising that a healthy workforce is a safer workforce.
- Emergency response planning: Develop and regularly update plans for various emergency scenarios, ensuring preparedness and swift action when needed.
- Encouraging employee participation: Foster a culture where employees are actively involved in safety initiatives, contributing ideas and participating in safety drills.
Each of these strategies can help to create a safe and secure environment where employees feel valued and protected.
Securing the Future: The Prominent Role of HR
The fields of HR and workplace security have always been intertwined. As the workplace evolves and work practices change accordingly, the importance of HR departments in ensuring a safe workplace will continue to grow and the importance of the relationship between HR and security will strengthen.
The strategies we covered here can help to cement this bond and by prioritising these measures HR departments not only ensure compliance with regulations, but also create an environment that keeps employees safe, valued, and work more productively.