Is Your Workplace as Safe as it Could be?

Everyone deserves a safe working environment, which is why health and safety procedures are an integral part of any business. These procedures ensure that day to day life at work runs smoothly for employees whether the workplace is in an office or on a building site. So, life critical safety products provider Reece Safety has found eight health and safety essentials that every workplace must have in place.

Risk Assessments

By law, all businesses must conduct risk assessments where there are potential hazards within the workplace. All hazards must be identified with a plan of action starting with the most important risks first. Often, risk assessments can lead to the improvement of a business through finding long-term solutions to issues that pose the most risk to staff health, such as preventing falls or slips.

Sufficient Lighting

While it may seem obvious, good lighting at workstations and around the work building or work site is essential for employee safety. Suitable forms of lighting must be used for different manual tasks where suitable, such as florescent lighting where natural light doesn’t reach.

Good Hygiene and Cleanliness

A clean workspace is needed for every employee. Ensure that your building and work area, floors, fittings and furniture are cleaned efficiently to avoid bacteria and germ build up that has the potential to result in illness being spread between staff members.

Fire Safety Protocol

A fire risk assessment will identify fire hazards and the people at risk. An induction and evacuation process must be conducted with each employee as they enter the business. There should also be a member of staff who is responsible for evacuating the building or area in the case of a fire, taking a register of those present and calling 999.

Manual Labour Safety

Manual jobs often involve lifting and using machinery and ladders, so it’s important to have safety procedures to follow thoroughly. Ensure that equipment is safely used and properly put away in a safe place by using the Lockout Tagout system or combination padlocks to prevent access to specialist equipment.

Acceptable Level of Noise

Noise problems in the workplace can be intrusive and distracting. If you’re having to raise your voice to have a conversation or have outdoor noise coming into your workspace, this may need raising with your employer. If you work with or use loud equipment, make sure to wear hearing protection.

Electrical Safety

Electrical equipment should be properly installed and tested alongside a full electrical risk assessment. For electrical machinery, a switch or isolator should be located near each machine to cut off the power supply in an emergency. If you come across any faulty cables or plug sockets in your workspace, they should be covered and marked as ‘do not use’ and replaced.

Staff Wellbeing

The health of staff is paramount for any company, so it is important to ensure that a workforce is seeking help when needed. Make sure your company has a HR department prepared for dealing with issues surrounding the mental health and overall wellbeing of staff to promote a healthy working culture.

Posted on Aug 07, 2019


Product Showcase

  • NoiseCHEK Personal Noise Dosimeter

    SKC NoiseCHEK is the easiest-to-use dosimeter available! Designed specifically for OEHS professionals, SKC NoiseCHEK offers the easiest operation and accurate noise measurements. Everything you need is right in your palm. Pair Bluetooth models to your mobile devices and monitor workers remotely with the SmartWave dB app without interrupting workflow. Careful design features like a locking windscreen, sturdy clip, large front-lit display, bright status LEDs, and more make NoiseCHEK the top choice in noise dosimeters. Demo NoiseCHEK at AIHA Connect Booth 1003. Read More

  • EMSL Analytical, Inc. - Air Sampling Supplies & Testing Labs

    EMSL Analytical, Inc. operates laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for Asbestos, Mold, Silica, Lead & Metals, Bacteria, Legionella, USP , Combustion By-Products, VOC’s, Radon, PCB’s, Formaldehyde, METH/Fentanyl, Identification of Dust & Unknowns. Sampling Pumps, Cassettes, Media & Supplies available. Reach us at 1-800.220.3675 Read More

  • SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit

    The SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit is a single-use spot test designed for use in screening for cannabis compounds in any sample type or on any surface. The test is capable of identifying the presumed presence of cannabinoids in very small quantities, with a level of detection as little as 6 μg in mass. Learn more about the SwabTek® Cannabis Test Kit and the rest of SwabTek surface drug testing solutions through the webinar titled "Everything You Want To Know About Surface Testing" Read More

Featured