Workplace safety refers to a number of key areas for employers. First and foremost, there is the issue of providing physical safety. All workers and clients deserve a safe and secure place in which to do business.
However, employers must also take steps to keep themselves safe from litigation and damage to their reputation.
The following four workplace safety tips are important ways employers can keep themselves safe on a range of levels:
1. Use Employment Screening for All Potential New Hires
Outsourcing employment screening is an effective way to “get to know” who is really being considered for employment. While the interview process and checking references can yield valuable insights in these areas, the applicant will be taking steps to put their best foot forward. Finding out the truth about an applicant’s background, credit and possible criminal history is vital to a safe workplace for all.
2. Make All Decisions Based On Fit
Hiring for an ideal fit, training for the needed skills, transferring and promoting for the good of the company, and disciplining or firing only for relevant and documented reasons is also crucial to workplace safety. Hiring qualified workers with known abilities and training them for proficiency reduces the likelihood of accidents in the workplace as well as litigation by clients, other workers, or the new hire themselves.
3. Comply with OSHA Rules and Guidelines
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put forth standards for hiring and evaluating employees as well as keeping the workplace physically safe for all workers. The most common workplace safety problems tend to be related to:
- The danger of slips and falls
- Poor communication about workplace hazards
- Unsafe scaffolding and ladder usage
- Unsafe workplace machinery
- Inadequate respiratory protection
- Electrical safety hazards
Employers should take steps to ensure all OSHA guidelines are followed, with particular attention paid to these areas.
4. Fairness and Consistency
Whether recruiting, interviewing, screening, or dealing with current employees, consistency and fairness are key to employers staying safe from litigation. All persons should be treated equally regardless of qualities like race, age, gender, religion or family status. Employers should avoid favoritism based upon personal biases and never retaliate against an employee who voices concerns about procedures and workplace safety.
Workplace safety involves a number of facets and areas. Following these four tips can help employers to stay safe and viable for many years to come.
Source: OSHA: http://www.osha.gov/Top_Ten_Standards.html
Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is never intended as legal advice and is for information purposes only.
I like that you mentioned that we should do training for the needed skills. If I was being hired then I would want to make sure that I got the correct instruction when learning about the job. It might be a good idea to ask for training if you don’t know how to do your job to the best of your ability.