Why is workplace safety important? Why are several organizations across the globe concerned with the safety and security of employees? 'Safety at workplace' is one of the major factors that ensure the following –

• Work satisfaction of the employees
• Retention of employees reducing the frequency of hiring and training new appointees.
• Better adherence to workplace ethics (by the employees)
• Maximization of productivity
• Minimization of absenteeism of employees and sick leaves 
• Cost reduction concerned with compensation of workers due to injuries
• Enhancement of the employer's credibility as well as that of the organization.

Making your employees feel safe and fresh at work, not only increases their productivity but also ensures that they come back to work with the same zeal and efficiency as that of the previous day at work! 

Here’s jotting down all the important to-dos to keep your workplace safe and secure. Keeping the workplace safe includes –

• Wearing proper safety equipment suitable for the task – 

Wearable safety equipment and protective garments are different for different occupations. For instance, examination gowns worn by healthcare professionals are different from the fluorescent-colored high visibility safety vests worn by industrial workers. Other protective equipment includes – safety goggles, fitted gloves, full-face masks, earmuffs, etc.

The industrial protective gears are equipped to protect several aspects such as –

• UV protection 
• Protection from fire and other combustible agents
• Protection from injury induced by heavy machinery
• Antibacterial protection (to prevent contamination, especially, in food processing industries)
  
  

• Keeping the workplace equipped with First Aid arrangements

This goes a long way in not only keeping the working environment employee-friendly but also preserving their trust, confidence, and loyalty towards the organization. First aid stations may remain wall mounted in your work arena. The best way to go about this is to assess the potential risks that encircle your work site. Once that is done, prepare your first aid kit accordingly, inform and train (if necessary) all employees on its use and you are done with your necessary precautions!

• Protecting “their” back

This signals having an ergonomic workplace. Industries such as the IT sector are significantly congruent with this need. To put it lucidly, it is important to protect the ‘back’ of your employees. To ensure this, you need to essentially incorporate the following – 

• Ergonomic furniture such as comfortable chairs that keep your posture, a work desk that adjusts to your height (you may use height-adjustable chairs), monitor risers, etc.
• The work area should be sufficiently illuminated with enough light to keep your eyes stress-free. Stress in the eyes often causes headaches after long hours of working in front of your computer or laptop!
  
  

• Hazardous zones to be clearly labeled

Areas within the workplace that store potentially dangerous equipment or machinery must be mandatorily and properly labeled. Areas may be demarcated with black or dark-colored tapes, black and white stripes on the floor, prohibition signs, mandatory signs, limited or restriction signs, warning signs, danger signs, and such other safety signs. Emergency information signs include directions to facilities like emergency exits, fire extinguishers, safety equipment, etc.

• Ensure Safe Flooring 

Rubber floor mats need to be placed strategically across the office space. Some of them are not only capable of absorbing water but also dirt. Moreover, they save employees from unprecedented falls and slips! Mats serve several purposes such as the anti-fatigue mats or the dust control mats. Therefore, although a minor initiative, this too goes a long way in ensuring employee safety.

Gear up! Make your employees fall in love with their workplace where you have invested all your hard work and resources too…