Why Buying Safety Cones for Your Business Is Important

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StrategyDriven Human Performance Management Article | Why Buying Safety Cones for Your Business Is Important

Running a business means you need to do many different things and wear many different hats, and the worry is that something will fall through the cracks; even if you think you’ve got it all in hand, there might be something you’re missing out on, and you just don’t know it.

One of those things could be the use of safety cones in your business. It’s true this isn’t going to be something that every business owner in every niche is going to need to consider, but if you do because you work in a sector that relies on cones or you just want to use them around your workplace, then keep reading – this blog will remind you just how important they are and ensure you don’t forget about them.

Prevent Accidents and Injuries

Safety cones are an ideal way to help prevent – as far as it’s possible to prevent – accidents and injuries in the workplace. By placing them in strategic positions, you can easily warn your workers about any hazards and let customers know there’s an area they need to avoid. Of course, you shouldn’t use cones like this on a permanent basis; they’re just there to warn people about a problem while you get around to fixing it. However, they’re an ideal way to ensure that everyone stays safe until that time comes.

As an employer, one of your duties is always going to be to your team, and keeping them safe in the workplace is a priority. Firstly, it’s the right and moral thing to do, but as well as that, it will save you money and potentially a lot of legal issues – if a worker is hurt, they’ll be off work (which can be expensive), they might sue or claim on your insurance, and they could take you to court, which would be bad for your reputation.

Good Communication

Business owners have to be good at communication, no matter what sector they’re in or who they might be speaking to. That means they need to be great at verbal communication, written communication, and, at times, non-verbal communication – signs and information, in other words.

Safety cones are an excellent example of how a business owner can use non-verbal communication to easily put a message across about safety (in the situations we mentioned above, for example). They’re bright with reflective surfaces, which can be seen even in low-light conditions. A business owner who knows how to use safety cones is a business owner who understands how to communicate.

Cost-Effective

Business owners have to keep an eye on costs at all times, and they’ll need to ensure anything and everything they buy for the business is within their budget. In most cases, safety cones will be within a business’s budget; they’re an inexpensive way to keep people safe, control traffic and movement, and gain the trust of your staff and anyone else who happens to come to your place of work.

When you add up all the benefits and think about how little safety cones cost in comparison, you’ll see they’re a great investment for your business.

Ensuring PPE Compliance and Overcoming Resistance in the Workplace

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StrategyDriven Human Performance Management Article | Ensuring PPE Compliance and Overcoming Resistance in the Workplace

Every year, countless workers get injured due to not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) properly, or even at all. PPE is essential in workplaces because it minimizes exposure to ergonomic, physical, chemical and biological hazards. While there are clear guidelines concerning where and how workers should wear PPE, many disregard it for different reasons. In this article, we will look at some of those reasons and some ways employers can ensure PPE compliance in workplaces.

Provide Adequate Training and Education

Most workers will understand why they should wear PPE if managers and leaders explain why doing so is important. Businesses can start by investigating cases where workers have been injured for not wearing PPE. For example, a worker might have been seriously injured by a falling object. However, they would have avoided the injuries, or the injuries would have been minimal if they were wearing PPE. Pointing out such cases will cement the importance of PPE in your worker’s minds.

Next, you should educate them on what types of PPE they should wear for specific tasks. Some workers do not wear PPE because they do not know which ones they should wear, but this solves that issue.

Ensure the PPE Is Comfortable

One of the main reasons workers do not wear PPE is because they find it too uncomfortable. They might also find it difficult to perform their duties while wearing it. For these reasons, businesses must select comfortable PPE that is also appropriate for the hazards an employee might encounter.

They should also work closely with employees to understand sizing options and other factors that ensure comfort, such as breathability and ventilation. The PPE’s materials should also be flexible, not rough or itchy, have proper moisture management, and adhere to other comfort requirements.


Make PPE Accessible

Businesses should always ensure workers have access to the PPE they need. For example, those working in an environment with sleek floors should have access to safety boots that are slip resistant, but that also offer protection from other hazards such as falling tools.

Businesses should also ensure that all PPE is always in good condition, well maintained, and replaced when expired or damaged. Failure to meet these requirements increases the likelihood of employees not seeing the need to wear it, thereby hurting compliance and putting them in danger.

The PPE should also be easy to put on and take off. This is especially important in industries where employers do this multiple times a day, such as in the pharmaceutical industry. If employees find it a chore to put on and take off their personal protective equipment, they are more likely to forgo it.
Provide Feedback and Recognition

Positive reinforcement can make a significant difference to PPE compliance levels. Managers and leaders should recognise employees who wear their PPE properly to reinforce the behaviour. They should also talk to those who do not so they can understand why they do not and explain why PPE is essential.

Wearing PPE properly can prevent serious injuries and even fatalities. Unfortunately, some workers do not wear their PPE, putting themselves in danger. Businesses can protect their workers by ensuring compliance using the tips discussed above.

Simple Methods Of Preventing Trip And Slip Hazards In Your Workplace

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StrategyDriven Human Performance Management Article |Prevent Trip and Slip Hazards|Simple Methods Of Preventing Trip And Slip Hazards In Your WorkplaceEvery person in your workplace has a right to safety, whether an employee or a visitor. Improvements can always be made, too, especially when mitigating slips and trips.

Even the most unlikely fall that a worker can suffer can cause a problem for businesses, so it is important to be as diligent as possible. Potential hazards are almost everywhere and can rock a company to its core if they are not properly addressed and resolved.

What are some methods that can best help you prevent trip and slip hazards in your workplace? You will find our suggestions down below.

Invest in Cabling Solutions

Realize the potential dangers that cables provide. Reevaluate whether they are causing any safety concerns and make appropriate changes.

Be wary of how technology can cause accidents. Know that a structured cabling installation can remove trip hazards while also enhancing network capabilities. Consider that cables that are not tangled also relay information faster with minimal disruptions. Work with suppliers who use only high-end quality products. Create a safer and more diligent IT infrastructure.

Untangling and organizing cables can be dangerous with improper methods. Keep everything organized with structured cabling. Appreciate the essential status of these solutions. Keep in mind that most workers interact with cables regularly. Benefit your business in more ways than one with faster communication capabilities alongside better safety.

Encourage Shared Responsibility

Instruct all workers to be diligent in maintaining a safe workplace. Help them realize that everyone has an active role in preventing slips and trips from occurring.

Ensure that workers communicate if they encounter a trip hazard that they cannot remove themselves. Leave notes on any hazardous areas. Report issues that require more specialist input and warn workers of any temporary dangers discovered in the building. Demand that every worker maintains the equipment they are using.

Teach respect for the janitorial staff and health and safety officers. Discourage leaving it to them to clean up a mess or remove hazards by default. Build a culture of equality and teamwork irrespective of job titles. Have designated spots for eating and drinking, and make sure some areas of your premises are off-limits to do so. Implement robust policies and check they are followed.

Improve Storage Solutions

Keep your workplace free of obstructions. Revisit your storage solutions and determine whether they can be improved.

Reorganize the way goods are stacked and where they are stored if they create trip hazards. Instruct workers to double-check whether liquid items are being stashed the wrong way up. Check for damages or leaks in any relevant products and work to see if these situations are recurring and why.

Dispose of any waste immediately to prevent excess. Ensure all your colleagues are following the same procedures for maximum effectiveness. Be aware that the smallest oversights can have the largest ramifications when it comes to storage, slips, and trips.

6 Tips For Improving Workplace Safety

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StrategyDriven Human Performance Management Article |Workplace Safety|6 Tips For Improving Workplace SafetyYour employees help you reach your goals and grow your business. Without them, you may struggle to get ahead and deliver on your promise to your customers.

One of your jobs and responsibilities as a business owner is to keep your employees and the environment safe for working in. Your employees will be happier, healthier, and there will be fewer incidents and accidents to deal with when you make an effort in this area. Learn what you can do to improve workplace safety and create a better and more rewarding environment to be.

1. Install Cameras

Improve workplace safety by installing cameras throughout your building both inside and out. Constant Video Surveillance will help you monitor who’s coming in and going out of your office space around the clock. You’ll not only be keeping your belongings and equipment safe but also the people who work for you. If there is ever an incident or a crime committed then you’ll have the footage to see the details and evidence you need to prove who did it or was involved. It can save you a lot of headaches and even money down the road so it’s a wise step in the right direction.

2. Have Policies & Protocols

Improve workplace safety by creating a culture that focuses on it. Have policies and procedures in place to reduce confusion and ensure everyone knows how important it is to your company. Having protocols in place will make sure everyone’s on the same page and understands the workplace and environment expectations. Your employees can review the material and ask you any questions to clear up possible misunderstandings right from the start. It’s wise to make sure your employees know about these from the first day they start working at your business.

3. Train Your Employees

One way to prevent accidents and mishaps is to train your employees. Improve workplace safety by making sure everyone knows how to perform their job duties and use any necessary equipment. Train your staff and also have manuals they can use to review steps and what to do in the case of an emergency. You want them to feel confident and comfortable working their jobs and that they know their way around the building and equipment. The better trained your employees are, the greater the chance that you’ll be able to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

4. Keep it Clean & Clutter-Free

It’s also about keeping your workplace clean and removing any clutter. You can avoid slips and falls this way and create more room for maneuvering and getting around. It may help to hire a cleaning crew so that you are consistent and keep it tidy throughout the year. You’ll be removing germs this way and ensuring all your belongings are put away and stored in a proper place. It’s wise to conduct regular inspections of the workplace so you can check for any potential hazards or dangers that need to be addressed. The less clutter and mess the better not only for improving safety but also for reducing stress.

5. Encourage Breaks

You want to avoid your employees being tired and worn out in the workplace. There’s more likely a chance they may make mistakes or have accidents if they’re overworked and exhausted. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to encourage your employees to take breaks frequently and throughout the day. You may even want to set up a break room and game room where they can go to relax and decompress from work. Removing themselves from their desks and computers for some time will not only keep them safer but more productive too. They’ll be safer and healthier and in a better position to perform their duties when they’re energized and at ease.

6. Communicate about the Topic Regularly

Another tip for improving workplace safety is to keep an open dialogue with your workers. Communicate about the topic regularly by asking questions and for feedback. Have regular meetings on workplace safety and use it as a time to respond to inquiries and make sure everyone knows your expectations and how to stay safe. It’s an excellent way to keep safety top of mind and let your staff know what you’re doing to ensure a positive experience at your workplace. Make it easy and painless for employees to come to you with workplace safety and health concerns or ideas for improvement. It may help to appoint someone as head of the workplace safety committee so there’s a leader and point person if there are issues or questions.

4 Tools To Enhance Health & Safety At Work

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StrategyDriven Human Performance Management Article |Health and Safety at Work|4 Tools To Enhance Health & Safety At WorkWhen you’re running a company, you must follow the correct health and safety procedures, to keep your staff members safe. Depending on what type of company you run, the safety concerns will be different. For a few general tools which may be of use, these cover everything from lifting to ergonomics and wellbeing.

1. NIOSH Lift Calculator

The NIOSH Lift Calculator application can support your staff to safely lift heavy loads. First up, you have to input the lifting conditions, and next, the app will give you a recommended weight. You can use the application for single lifting tasks, or for multiple lifting tasks. To protect workers from physical stress and back issues, the app suggests a lifting index of CLI or under.

2. Incident eye

The Incident Eye application helps companies to locate and protect staff, in a disaster or emergency. These events might be natural disasters or terror threats. Using the Incident Eye app, you can prepare yourself should the worse happen. The software supports you to offer help for staff in need, send relevant info, and get real-time updates. With platforms like this, you’ll have added peace of mind, in the event of disaster.

3. Welltok

Welltok is a health management app created for businesses, it can help staff to monitor their progress, and create wellness goals. There are lots of wellness activities, along with games, quizzes, and tips. One leading feature is the social wellbeing community, where staff can share tips, and experiences. The tool can support staff with lots of areas of wellness, whether it’s social, financial, physical, or mental.

Employee burnout is a growing concern across many different industries, and so it’s important to ensure your staff are taking care of their wellbeing. It can be helpful to offer extra resources including wellbeing workshops, and mental health based training.

4 . Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the perfect application to improve wellness and health in the workplace. The app provides advice about setting up a desk ergonomically, and guidelines on stretching. Employees are encouraged to take stretching breaks, and there are detailed instructions to learn these stretching techniques.

With the help of ergonomics, you can target certain parts of the body, and track your progress. Ergonomics provides lots of advice about improving physical health and mental health. It’s essential that all staff are provided with Ergonomic furniture, whether it’s chairs, desks or keyboards. To keep your office a safe place, this is the perfect application.

Further advice

To keep your employees safe and healthy you must follow employment law carefully. Employment law sets out the legal standards for the workplace, including workplace conditions, contracts, and statutory requirements. Failing to comply with employment law can leave employers with complex lawsuits, such as the Summer Uchin vs. Condo Roccia pregnancy bias case.

Lastly, ensure that you frequently update your health and safety policies, and provide your staff with regular health and safety training.