According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace accidents cost business owners over $62 billion a year.
While it is impossible to completely prevent these types of accidents, there are some things you can do as a business owner to make them less severe. The worst mistake a business owner can make when it comes to managing their employees is neglecting to provide them with safety training.
Whether employee accidents happen on the road or in your place of business, you need to make sure they are addressed properly. Putting employees behind the wheel of poorly maintained vehicles or having them work in an unsafe facility can lead to lawsuits. Employees who are hurt as a result of your negligence will usually hire a Michigan auto accident attorney to get compensation for their injuries.
Rather than putting yourself and your employees at risk, here are some of the things you need to do to prevent workplace accidents.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Among the most common cause of injury in the workplace is a slip and fall accident. If an employee slips and falls, it can lead to extensive injuries to their neck and back.
The first thing you need to do to prevent these accidents is to clear out all obstacles in areas where employees walk. You should also invest in slip-resistant flooring in high hazard areas.
When spills occur, you need to have kits close by so employees can get them cleaned up in a hurry. By doing this, you can reduce the chance of a slip and fall accident occurring in your place of business.
Exercise Caution When Using Ladders
Do your employees routinely use ladders? If so, you need to train your team on how to use this equipment safely and responsibly.
Teaching employees things like how to fully open a ladder and place it on stable ground can help to reduce some of the danger that comes with using this equipment. Reading over the manufacturer’s guidelines is also a great way to find out what needs to be avoided when using a ladder. Allowing employees to work in teams when using a ladder is also an excellent way to increase safety and prevent accidents.
Properly Maintain All Fleet Vehicles
If you deliver items to customers, you probably have a fleet of vehicles at your disposal. Vehicles that are used daily to deliver goods will require constant maintenance and upkeep to stay running safely and efficiently.
Hiring seasoned mechanics to do things like change the brake pads and tires on your fleet vehicles is essential. With this professional help, you can rest assured this work is done correctly. The longer you allow your delivery vehicles to go without proper maintenance, the more danger you will put your drivers in.
A mechanic will be able to give you information regarding how often your vehicles should be serviced and what drivers need to check before heading out for the day. Creating a safety inspection checklist is a great way to discover issues with your fleet vehicles before they create problems.
Increasing the level of safety in your business will require the help of professionals. The money you invest in making your workspace safer will pay off due to the injuries it will help prevent.