You might be surprised to learn that the thousands of workers affected by workplace injuries each year actually cost the economy an estimated $60.6 billion dollars. These accidents also take a significant emotional and personal toll on the injured individuals. If you’re interested in both the macro and micro affect of injury in relation to your business, you should consult with a legal expert like http://www.sinnamonlawyers.com.au .

There is a big responsibility for both employers and employees to do everything they can to reduce risk and injuries when at work. Both should be implementing a number of measures that promote a safer environment. While each workplace presents its own unique challenges, here are some proven ways to reduce injuries and risk in a work setting

Implement Policies and Procedures To Reduce Risks

Safety in the workplace starts with a well-designed manual of policies and procedures. These should look at potential hazards and risks and take measures to counteract them. These policies will differ greatly from business to business, depending on the business function, the work environment, the specific requirements of each role, and the operations of the team. Often the advice of an OHS specialist is recommended in developing policies and procedures that address safety.

Appoint a Safety Coordinator

Despite safety should be everyone’s responsibility. However, it’s common for staff to take shortcuts or forget their obligations. They need to be reminded and monitored when it comes to safety in a workplace. A safety coordinator’s main focus is to look at the way things are being done to determine improvements that will reduce hazards and risk to staff and clients. Safety coordinators will also keep staff accountable and hold regular training sessions with management and staff. They are also responsible for communicating regularly to keep safety in the forefront of everyone’s mind while at work.

Provide a Safe Environment

A safe workplace is one where a safe environment has been purposely created. A safe environment considers everything – the right lighting for visibility, enough airflow and ventilation, safe furniture, and even anti slip flooring. It’s important that the premises of the workplace have been designed with safety in mind. It’s also important to provide the right equipment and tools for employees to be able to do their job easily, effectively and without risk of injury. Depending on the job this can mean many different things, but most often it relates to wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including eyewear, gloves and appropriate footwear. It also covers the regular inspection of machinery and equipment used in the workplace including ongoing maintenance and servicing if necessary. This can include routine testing and tagging of electrical equipment in an office to ensure appliances and other electronics remain safe to use.

You can achieve a safe workplace with thorough planning and management. Ensure your staff are following procedures and have the right equipment. Consider whether you should implement a safety team that will be responsible for maintaining and improving safety practices. While it might seem like a lot of effort, the cost of workplace injuries for both businesses and employees, and the devastating affect they can have, means it’s an issue that simply can’t be ignored.