It is the legal and moral obligation of all employers, managers, and business owners to do all they can to prevent injury and illness in the workplace. You are responsible for the health and safety of employees, contractors, vendors, customers, and clients any time they are on company or worksite grounds.
No business wants the profit loss, loss of labor, lawsuits, or settlement payouts in accordance with Iowa workers compensation law, so it is important to do everything you can to prevent them.
Provide Necessary PPE
Personal protective equipment is an OSHA requirement under many circumstances. Goggles and face shields are required when working with some harsh chemicals. Gloves and hairnets are necessary for many foodservice industries. Cleaning biohazards requires gloves and masks. Learn what PPE is required in your workplace and ensure that these are available to all employees and that every employee knows where they are kept and is thoroughly trained on how to use them.
Enforce Company Dress Code and Uniform Policy
Most dress codes and uniform policies in the workplace are put in place for health and safety reasons. Be vigilant in ensuring that your employees and contractors are wearing proper protective footwear, PPE or “Personal Protection Equipment,” aprons, and head coverings. Don’t allow employees who operate dangerous equipment and machinery to wear dangling jewelry or lose hairstyles when doing so.
Keep First Aid Stations Stocked
Bandages, alcohol swabs, sterile gloves, and burn ointment are just a few of the things every workplace is required to have on hand to treat everyday, minor injuries. Eyewash stations are required wherever harsh chemicals are used. Research your workplace’s OSHA guidelines and check your first aid stations regularly to make sure nothing had run out or expired.
Update Your MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheets are required to be kept on every chemical your facility uses and made available to all employees and contractors. They contain hazard ratings as well as directions for use, storage, and disposal. MSDS files should always be complete, up-to-date, and stored in a place easily accessible to your employees.
Maintain Your Workplace
Faulty equipment, missing or damaged ladders, and uneven floors make for hazardous working conditions. Be sure to schedule timely inspections and maintenance and address safety concerns as soon as possible when they are noticed or reported.
Providing all the required equipment, information, and training your employees and contractors need to be healthy and safe prevents most accidents and injuries. This helps keep your business functional and profitable.