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Many entrepreneurs will testify that starting a small business often comes with unexpected expenses. It is never a smooth process, as things will constantly arise that have the potential to force your business into bankruptcy. A business’s safety practices are one of the most significant challenges that entrepreneurs everywhere face. They need to know that throughout their daily operations, their employees are going to be safe and to maintain optimal practices, lest they have to face major expenses and liabilities down the road. Fortunately, there is much that one can do to that end.
[tweetthis]A #business safety practice is a significant challenge that #entrepreneurs face. [/tweetthis]
Careful Hiring
Lazy employees can be a plague on the workplace. They are often a safety hazard because they do not take the necessary precautions that one needs to take. They will do things the easy way rather than the proper way that the company has outlined. But if you ensure that you are hiring the correct people and assessing their performance, you can avoid any potential safety hazards that might arise as a result of employee misconduct or negligence.
Reward Safe Practices
Your employees need to understand that safety is a priority for your company. All of the effort that you have put into safe conduct should be abundantly evident. Many employers will even establish a rewards system for safe practices. When employees regularly engage in safe conduct and follow all of the strict regulations that you have established, then perhaps they should be rewarded. Perhaps you could offer a reward after an allotted amount of time passes without an incident. These rewards do not have to be too expensive. Many employees are pleased to get an extra day off or a pizza party.
Communication
There is always something that you can improve. Communicate with your employees by getting feedback on the efficacy of your safety program. Ask employees for their insight regarding potential hazards. You can also use communication to actively encourage safety in the workplace through the use of warnings and signage. A potentially dangerous slippery floor, for instance, could be marked with a sign to help employees stay safe and avoid an accident. According to an injury lawyer, the leading cause of non-fatal personal injury in 2013 was accidental slips, trips and falls. This is why it’s important to mark and communicate any and all potential workplace dangers to your employees.
Good Equipment
Sometimes employers can create a safety hazard because they have not properly equipped their employees. They held back a little when they were purchasing equipment and have provided something that was used or could break easily. Provide good equipment and your workplace will be less prone to accidents.
Safety is integral. As an employer, you should care about the safety of your employees because they should not have to go to work worrying about potential hazards. You should also focus on safety hazards because they can generate financial hazards.
Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer living in Boston. She writes on a variety of things, most often real estate and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading, rock climbing, and film noir. Twitter: @emmasturgis2
