Last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA reported over 2,000 work-related fatalities. In addition, there are about 2.8 million non-fatal workplace illnesses and injuries reported.
With such high numbers, it is no wonder that more and more companies are in need of workplace safety measures to be placed. Here are 5 important safety measures that you need to implement in 2020.
1. Electrical Safety
First off on our list is electrical safety.
Why?
Because electricity is considered as one of the most hazardous and fatal workplace threats there is. Not to mention the fact that it can affect people who do not even work with it directly. Here are some of the best practices for electrical safety:
· Don’t Touch Fallen Power Lines. Never try to be an expert, instead, report them to your local utility company.
· There’s No Such Thing As A Safe Wire. You need to assume that each wire can jolt you with afatal voltage, even if it is insulated or down.
· Stay Dry. Never operate electrical equipment when you’re wet, standing in water or near water. When working in damp locations, make sure to inspect equipment and cords in order to ensure that they are working in the best conditions.
· No DIY Repairs: Even if you know how to fix it, consider leaving repairs and inspections to the experts.
2. Regular Safety Education
Even the most well-planned and well-placed security measures are useless if your employees don’t have the proper safety knowledge.
In order to fight this ignorance in the workplace, educating every individual in the workplace can boost the effectiveness of your security measures. You can create a safety committee that educates your employees and implements these safety measures in the workplace.
Alternatively, in order for the whole organization to benefit, you can attend security events Delhi has to offer.
3. Laser-Focused on Total Health
Usually, OSH’s focus is on keeping people safe at work and protecting them from the various risks of their jobs. Meaning, the field has been focused on preventing illness and injuries on the job only.
However, in the past years, the Total Worker Health Program is launched which gives a laser focus on total health. This initiative is designed to support the overall wellbeing and health of workers both on the job as well as off the clock.
This is due to the idea that work is the major factor in the overall health of most people, everything from how much we earn to the hours we work, to the emphasis on workplace health directly influence our overall wellbeing.
So, this 2020, expect to see more notions supporting all kinds of employee well-being— financially, socially, mentally and physically— rising to the forefront within workplaces. Employers are expected to take better care of their staff and employees
4. Fully Equipped With Safety Program
PPR or personal protective equipment, safety devices, and guards are often the only things standing between employees and hazardous environments and materials. And providing the proper PPE and installing safety devices and guards are crucial to ensure that employees are safe and healthy.
The problem is that safety violations are more common in such areas. To boost your safety program, here are some resources you can try:
· Respiratory Hazards: The right mask and proper fit are crucial for most working environments.
· Proper Arc Flash Protection: This is one of the deadliest workplace hazards and PPE can mean a huge difference between death and life.
· Machine Guard: Statistics show that 18,000 workers suffer injuries from exposed unguarded machines with 800 people dying of their injuries. The right machine guard can save a limb and a life.
· Emergency Eyewash Stations: One of the most often ignored safety measures, an eyewash station can provide immediate relief to injured eyes and prevent permanent damage.
· Ear Protection: Noise is also a threat that you cannot see, however its impact can be forever.
5. Visualize Safety
Humans perceive 80 percent of their surroundings via the eyes. Thus, labels and signage are a powerful tool for communicating the safety standards in the office. These can also alert workers to hazards and promoting safer actions and practices.
Here are some tips for creating safety labels and signage:
· Color Communication:Studies revealed that color can improve understanding by 40 percent. Thus, using color in your signage can improve recognition and in emphasizing information.
· Customizations: An example, if you have international workers, then you may need some language adjustments.
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