Employers have many responsibilities to hold, and most certainly, ensuring the safety of employees at the workplace is one of them. Employees trust their surroundings and the place where they work. Apart from their home, this is the place where they spend their maximum time here. But time and again, information regarding mishaps and safety failures at the workplace surfaces. It raises major concerns for people who want to visit the office for their professional chores.
A bank robbery is a common example of the same. Robbers and thieves are ready to do anything and everything, even if it means putting the life and safety of employees at stake. No one can foresee such problems.
But, this does not mean that giving in the situation is the only option left. If you are an employer, you should ensure safety at the workplace.
Here are ten ways in which you can do so.
1. Reality-Check
‘Oh! I did not see this coming, ‘Why did it happen in this workplace,’ ‘I had no idea about it,’ ‘I am shocked that something like this can happen over here, too.’ These can be some reactions after any crisis has taken place.
Sometimes, employers deny that anything can happen at the workplace. But that’s not the case. Any person guilty of committing wrong things or anything against society will not spare any location just because it is the workplace of professionals. So, the first step towards ensuring the safety of employees at the workplace is accepting that mishaps can happen and that self-preparation is necessary.
2. Awareness
Once you accept that mishaps are bound to happen, you will be in a better position to take relative steps to minimize the effects of the same. As an employer, you must be aware of the safety steps and circumstances and help your employees understand. Setting up the base for a safe working environment is important, and awareness is important for it. Gathering the information regarding the potential mishaps, entry and exit points, steps and reflex actions to be taken, etc., are important for setting the safety standards.
3. Cameras, Security System, Locks, And Others
Discussing this step is like stating the obvious. Workplace safety is incomplete until you have a proper security system, a team, and cameras installed at different places. It helps in surveillance and keeping a check on any suspicious activity which is going on. No criminal activity takes place without preparation. And that’s when these cameras and systems help. Also, you can consider installing biometric systems and finger locks or face scans that permit entry to employees after daily authentication.
4. Emergency Equipment
Cameras and security systems are visible to one and all, but what if the thieves or robbers disrupt them? It will wipe you off access to the whole setup, and you won’t be able to contact anyone from the outside world. So, as an employer, what can you do in such problematic situations?
Here is an idea for you. A workplace panic button by trusted service providers like littlegreenbutton.com will help in dealing with such situations. You can install such a button at any spot which is not visible to everyone. For example, under the table, or hide it near the window pane. You can secure it under a glass covering too. It will work like an alarm. It will work like an update about the emergency to people to whom the button is connected.
5. Plan Of Action
After doing the base work, you need to plan the steps for action in case of such problems at the workplace. Whenever there is a crisis, employees should know what they are supposed to do and how it is to be done. Everyone should be aware of the responsibility, and there should be a plan B in case any move fails.
6. Measures And Signs
Mishaps may not always be man-made. Sometimes, workplace security and safety occur because of natural calamities like earthquakes and tsunamis. In that case, you should focus on a written plan, including the policies and processes. Also, it should include pointers for measures and signs that will help people apart from the employees on the office premises. Like the arrow signs, emergency signals and precautions written or pasted can help people know what is to be done in different situations.
7. Training
Training is a must while preparing for such disasters and mishaps. Training ensures that a person is mentally and physically aware and practices due diligence while taking decisions that are expected of the person in such situations. You can consider organizing camps or weekend sessions for physical and mental fitness for your employees. It is a must for preparation as it is not a one-day process. Training should be in phases, and the employees who pass one stage should only be allowed to move on to the next one.
8. Mock Drills
Now comes the testing time. You should know your employees’ progress, and you can consider conducting a mock drill for the same. A mock drill is basically like an alarm that rings, and the employees have to get into the position and begin doing what they are expected to do during any crisis. Employers can check the behavioral and functional aspects and note what needs more effort and attention.
9. Follow A Sturdy Protocol
There should be no compromise with safety at the workplace. Hence, a sturdy protocol is a must. You can consider hiring safety experts who will work on the details and make it a point that the employees use the safety equipment. Also, you should note that the protocol is being followed at all levels in a company, and jobs are completed within the established boundary. Sometimes, employers need to employ physical therapists to help employees understand what is expected of them physically and training related to the same.
10. Have A Backup And Medical Practitioner On Board
The last thing that can help to establish and expand the safety measures at the workplace from the employers’ end is to have a backup team and medical professionals on board. Once they get the signals, they can gear up for their role and ensure the safety of the employees stuck on the office premises.
Conclusion
Trust these steps to lay the foundation for maintaining utmost safety and security at the workplace. Work like a team and watch your workplace become safe and output-oriented.
