Employers in the UK are legally obliged to provide a safe working environment. This tends to mean going through the workplace at regular intervals, performing simple risk assessments, and then taking corrective action based on the results of those assessments.
This corrective action will tend to fall into a few obvious categories. In many cases, you can reduce the risk of an injury, and make a workplace safer, by taking these steps before a risk assessment reveals that they are necessary.
Provide Comprehensive Employee Training
Among the most powerful pieces of safety equipment on any site are the brains of the human beings who work there. If you can equip employees with the skills and knowledge they need to spot hazards and create a culture in which problems can be safely flagged, then you’ll create a powerful system for driving down risk.
For example, you might get all workers into the habit of following simple procedures when it comes to the operation of machinery. These might include starting each work session by inspecting the machinery and identifying and logging any visual defects.
Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
As we’ve mentioned, risk assessment is a powerful way of spotting problems. But the way you conduct your risk assessment will matter, too. Make sure that you commit to the assessment at regular intervals, and that you log the results. This will not only help you to mitigate risk; it will also help you to defend yourself against legal action.
Keeping thorough records will allow you to demonstrate to a court when you spotted a problem, and how promptly you took action. If you need to make a claim, look for legal specialists in injury who can help you navigate the process.
Invest in Proper Equipment and Maintenance
When employees are forced to use substandard equipment, they might be exposed to a greater risk of injury. A poor-quality tool might require the use of less-than-ideal techniques, which might lead to injury. You might think of a dull circular saw which creates a greater risk of kickback. If you have a schedule for sharpening blades, this risk can be reduced. Ideally, you’d have a reliable system for inspecting crucial hardware, and for performing maintenance as quickly as possible.
Promote a Culture of Safety
The culture you create can be a powerful means of making a workplace safer. Make sure that you hold everyone to account, and that you recognise outstanding performance – both by individuals and by the collective. You might, for example, have a rule for the wearing of personal protective equipment. Make sure that any violations are punished firmly and consistently, and you’ll see adherence rates rise.