Employees across the country drive to work every morning without considering safety concerns at their workplace. However, accidents do happen at work, and an injury can cause loss of work hours and productivity for the employer. For the injured employee, an accident at work can lead to a loss of income, decreased quality of life, pain, or other serious consequences that affect all aspects of life.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, is committed to providing employees and employers with tools and regulations that aim to increase workplace safety. Every August, OSHA increases awareness by celebrating Safe + Sound Week. This year, OSHA has designated August 13-19 as a week to increase knowledge and practices for keeping workplaces throughout the country safe and sound.
It’s never too late to celebrate Safe + Sound Week, and you can encourage education if you are an employee, manager, or business owner. Here are a few ways you can get in on the action at your own place of employment.
Review Safety Guidelines and Compliance
If your business has a Safety Committee in place, be sure you spend time this month reviewing safety policies, guidelines, and regulatory compliance. If you don’t have a Safety Committee, use this week as a catalyst to start one. Your Safety Committee should be comprised of employees and managers that represent the different departments within your business. Meeting monthly as a committee to review accident reports or concerns is a best practice.
Practice Drills
Safe + Sound Week is a great time to practice drills, evacuations, and response to emergency situations. Run a fire drill, or practice what to do in case there is an employee accident in the office. After you complete the drill, spend time working through what worked (and what didn’t) with the group.
Update Safety Equipment
Assure fire detection systems are working and update your workplace’s First Aid kits. You can work with your Safety Committee to assure equipment updates and checks are scheduled this month as well.
Educate Employees
Finally, use this week as a chance to educate and empower employees. Pass out information about what to do in case of an accident and how to fill out an incident report. Encourage conversation about workplace safety and take suggestions seriously.
If you have been injured at work, it could have been caused by workplace hazards or negligence. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including work lost or for your medical bills. The team at O’Brien Law has years of experience helping clients navigate the workplace insurance system and is ready to help you as well. Give us a call to set up your free consultation.
