Let’s face it, some people don’t think about safety until something goes wrong. But a workplace where people get hurt or feel unsafe is a real problem, not just for the individuals involved, but for the whole team.
Keeping things safe shouldn’t be a box-ticking exercise. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can focus on their job, knowing they’re protected. So, let’s get into some real, actionable ways to keep safety front and centre.
A safety policy is like your game plan to keep things running smoothly. Your team needs to know exactly what to do in every situation. If someone’s unsure about the rules or procedures, that’s where accidents at work are more likely to happen. Make sure the policy is crystal clear and easy to follow.
The best safety policies spell out the risks specific to your workplace and what needs to be done to avoid them. For example, if you work with machinery, make sure there’s clear guidance on operating it, including what to do if something breaks.
One that’s too vague won’t help when things go south, so don’t be afraid to get specific. And keep it simple – no need for jargon that’ll make your team scratch their heads.
Training can sometimes feel like a bit of a waste of time, but it’s crucial for making sure your crew knows how to stay safe. What really matters is that the training sticks.
You could run sessions every month, but if the team walks away without remembering a thing, what’s the point? Keep it engaging and practical – no one’s going to remember long lists of rules, but they will remember hands-on practice and real-life scenarios.
Let’s say you’re working with chemicals. Instead of just reading out safety guidelines, get people involved in showing the correct procedures, and let them try it under supervision. Doing this should help them internalise what they’ve learned and make them more likely to act appropriately in real scenarios.
Risk assessments should be a prethought, never an afterthought. They’re about spotting hazards before they become a problem, so they need to be done properly.
It’s not just a case of filling out a form for the sake of it. Take time to assess each part of the workplace – look for potential risks in every corner, whether it’s a slip hazard in a warehouse or faulty equipment that’s just waiting to break.
Once you’ve spotted a risk, take action to fix it. If this can’t be done immediately, make sure it’s clearly highlighted so people stay away. Regular reviews of your risk assessments should help to keep the workplace safe.
It’s easy to say, “we have an emergency plan”, but does everyone actually know what to do when it’s needed? From a fire to an electrical fault, you need clear procedures in place. But more importantly, you need your team to practise those plans so they’re not standing around wondering what comes next.
Run regular drills to get everyone familiar with emergency exits and evacuation routes, as well as the roles they’re meant to play in these situations. Assign specific responsibilities to individuals, like checking certain areas or leading others to safety.
Once the plan’s firmly in everyone’s heads, you’ll have a much smoother response if or when things go wrong.
The Fashion and Style enthusiast with a flair for drama and entertainment! A millennial on the lookout for the trending styles inspired by and believes in: “You can get anything in life if you have the right dress for it!” Adding a little magic through the power of words and not holding back on fashion and styling opinions! Let’s connect to stay on top of trend alerts and the who is who of Fashion world and get inspired to give your personality the styling oomph you’ve been craving for! Nageen Abbas at Vogue Vocal is the brains behind our Woke Vogue and Lifestyle Library!
