Employers are responsible for the health and well-being of their employees. Despite this, many leaders believe that posting fire-escape directions and having an annual seminar on sexual harassment are enough. So how can employers step up their game and make sure that their workers are protected?
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Run Health Tests
Health checks can offer several advantages both to the organization and to the people working for it. Employees get to have these perks:
- Having access to their own health information
- Improved mental and physical health
- Lower health risks
- Improved performance
Businesses, on the other hand, benefit from these as a result:
- Lower absences (from sickness)
- Higher staff satisfaction
- Reduced staff turnover
- Enhanced productivity
- Improved employee loyalty and morale (health screenings are an indication that an employer cares about their worker’s health)
Even if some businesses don’t have the budget to have an in-house medical professional, simple yearly checkups can help. These checkups may involve the use of advanced medical equipment that help measure the body’s different types of output.
Conduct Random Drug Testing
It is important to note that drug testing can help protect employees from potential injury, especially in safety-critical occupations. Sadly, hard drugs aren’t the only culprit in higher levels of danger in the workplace. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health has found that, for every 13 workers, one has an alcohol problem.
On top of this, marijuana is now considered a socially acceptable drug in some states. Nonetheless, employers can still require potential and existing employees to undergo a marijuana drug test. On the part of the employees, they will do everything they can to pass screening assessment for drug use.
The company may have to come up with intervention programs to help curb addiction to hard drugs and alcohol, which are detrimental to one’s health. Employers need to remain vigilant and watchful. As it is, employees who take drugs regularly can have deficits that may lead to serious consequences such as the following:
- Poor problem solving
- Impaired coordination
- Altered senses
Raise Employee Awareness
Cover every area where employees need training. For instance, workers in the construction industry need to be taught the right procedures for health and safety. The NSC covers most forms of workplace safety training. Every employee needs to know first aid basics, or at the very least, managers or leaders should be trained to know first aid.
Assess the Workplace
Determine the safety of a working environment through observation. Do all the electrical sockets comply with the safety standards? Are there trip hazards? What about the clarity of emergency signs? There are many simple fixes one can do to help improve workplace safety, such as these:
- Keep cables neat and tidy.
- Keep every exit free of obstructions.
- Clean up wet floors, and place the appropriate signage.
Pay attention to the most common safety office hazards that employers should look out for.
Seek Advice from Experts
If something bad happens, employers may have to contact their lawyers or the police. Business owners never want their company to be the guilty party. Ask guidance from experts, and develop a course of action. When employers take the necessary steps toward improvement, similar issues will have fewer chances of surfacing.
Look for Team Leaders
As explained before, employees should know the basics of health and safety for their own benefit and that of their fellow workers. However, this may not be enough, especially for larger businesses with an expansive workforce. Employers need to designate team leaders who can coordinate large groups of people effectively in case an issue arises.
Conduct Regular Safety Drills
Safety drills may be irritating for both the employee and the employer because it stops them from doing their work. They are, however, still a necessity. Important information like where the exits are, what to do during a fire, and what to do during an earthquake may save the lives of many workers.
These drills are made to work out the kinks and improve the outcome of a real-life disaster.
Create a Welcoming Environment
Employers should build a workplace that’s comfortable and welcoming to employees. When there’s an open-minded leader who tackles problems objectively, employees are more inclined to open up about their problems. This provides easy access to information that can help employers improve the workplace.
Accidents do happen. It’s an unavoidable truth. However, you can implement the proper measures that can help keep employees safe and happy. Be a leader who is proactive and cares for the team instead of the one doing the bare minimum.