6 Simple Steps to Improve Workplace Safety

Maintaining a safe workplace should be a top priority for all business owners. Each year, tens of thousands of workers are seriously injured on the job. The good news is that most of the incidents can be prevented. So, what steps can you take to promote a safer environment in your workplace?

Store Flammable Materials Away from Ignition Source

Flammable and fast-burning materials should be stored in a safe area that's far away from any and all ignition sources. A bottle of industrial cleaner, for instance, could explode if exposed to an open flame. To prevent such disaster from occurring in your workplace, store all flammable materials away from ignition sources.

Maintain Heavy Machinery and Equipment

If your business uses heavy machinery and/or equipment, make sure those items are properly serviced and maintained on a regular basis. Failure to maintain heavy machinery or equipment increases the risk of injury. A forklift that's not regularly serviced according to schedule, for instance, may fail to brake in time.

Control Dust

When you think of common hazards in the workplace, dust probably doesn't come to mind. After all, how much harm can dust really cause? Well, when more than 1/32 of an inch of dust accumulates on at least 5% of the room's surface, it creates a serious hazard. The layer could quickly ignite, sending the room up in flames. Employers should control dust in their workplace through ventilation and other systems.

Take Regular Breaks

While some workers enjoy taking breaks, others actually prefer working instead. But whether a worker prefers to work through his or her break or not, workers should still be required to take breaks. This is an important step in preventing exhaustion and fatigue, which can otherwise increase the risk of injury.

Don't Track Materials

Work mats should be cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent the spreading of toxic and otherwise hazardous materials.

Maintain Clean Floors

We've talked about this before, but it's worth mentioning again that slip-and-falls are one of the most common types of work-related injury. Whether it's a same-level or elevated-level fall, such injuries occur to thousands of men and women each year. Employers should take a proactive approach towards maintaining clean floors to prevent slip-and-fall injuries.

These are just a few simple steps that employers can take to promote a safer working environment.