It is unfortunate, but accidents and injuries are common in the workplace and even seemingly safe environments like the office can be dangerous. Employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace for employees which will help them to carry out their work safely and with confidence, each day and an accident or injury could be harmful in more ways than one. So, how can you reduce the chance of injury in the workplace?
Awareness
In order to create and maintain a safe space for staff, you need to be aware of what the main hazards are:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Muscle strains
- Ergonomic injuries
- Eyestrain
Reducing the Chance of Injury
In order to reduce the chance of somebody sustaining an injury, you need to create an office space which is kept clean and tidy at all times with clear walkways (cables should be tucked away or under the carpet). You will also need to have suitable storage spaces which are easy and safe to access. This should stop any workplace accidents from occurring which could result in employees filing for compensation.
Staff Training
It is also important that you carry out staff training to ensure that they know how to work safely. This might include the importance of taking regular breaks, how they can avoid hurting themselves when lifting and what the main dangers are in the office.
Advice for Working From Home
Of course, in 2020 it is in the home where many people are working and this could be for the foreseeable future. You should not overlook health and safety when it comes to remote working as you want your team to stay happy and healthy and there are many dangers in the home. Employers should ask staff to carry out their own risk assessments in their homes and then find ways to overcome any issues that are found.
Many people working from home are struggling because they do not have a suitable space for working and had little time to prepare as the pandemic happened so quickly. Therefore, you might find it useful to buy high-quality office furniture for your staff so that they can work safely and to the best of their ability each day. This could also help in terms of mental health, which is another important area that employers need to keep in mind during the pandemic.
Employers always need to consider how they can provide a safe work environment and reduce the chance of an accident, including during the pandemic with remote workers so that people can work safely and with confidence.
