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Creating a Safe Working Environment is Good Business

Published Date
Author Annette Stevenson

Woman practicing workplace safety with hardhat and safety glasses.

Safety should never be far from the mind of everyone on a jobsite, because even the most experienced professional has the potential for injury when they lose concentration for a moment, are using a new, less familiar tool, or are working in challenging or constrained circumstances.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the key government agency involved in workplace safety. OSHA-authorized training programs are an effective way for employees to gain a general understanding of the importance of safety in the workplace and learn about safety standards, programs, and best practices. You can find out more about OSHA training by visiting the OSHA Education Center.  

While generalized safety training is a good starting point, particularly for new employees, it is not, a replacement for a safety program focused on your Business and the specific challenges faced by your team. While you may already provide job training for team members, establishing a comprehensive safety program can help create a positive work environment, reduce risks, and avoid unnecessary costs. The goal is to identify and eliminate potential hazards before injuries or illnesses occur. 

Here are some basic ideas and concepts to help you get started creating or updating a comprehensive, company-wide safety program for your Business: 

    • Begin at the top. Management at every level must have an honest and ongoing commitment to safety. This must be communicated to employees at all levels.
    • Make safety a team effort. The program must include employees at all levels. They should be encouraged to report concerns and suggest improvements. You might consider rewards or incentives to help prompt action.
    • Identity potential hazards. Assess the workplace when the program is established and create a plan for ongoing inspections.
    • Provide training. Include training on the safety program and how to identify and report concerns in your new employee training.
    • Evaluate and improve the program. Evaluate your program's effectiveness consistently. This should include input from employees at all levels. 

There are many sources of advice and information on workplace safety and creating a targeted program for your company available online. You may also wish to contact a workplace safety specialist in your area.