After this past year of so many changes in procedure, your safety program may need a quick refresh. Spring is a great time to evaluate and fine tune your safety policies and procedures.
Here are a few quick ways to do a reset on your safety program.
1. Post clear signage and posters
This is the perfect time to refresh all your safety signage and posters. Review each one to make sure the information is up-to-date and accurate. Consider replacing old posters with more attention-grabbing ones. Ensure old labels are replaced to properly mark safety hazards.
Ensure all posters and communications have clear COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. This includes how to safely take a mask on and off, steps to take if employees feel sick or have been exposed and general guidelines on how to avoid the spread of infection.
2. Conduct emergency drills
Do all your associates know what to do in the event of a fire? A tornado? A lockout? Conducting safety drills means current employees are reminded and new employees feel prepared. These also may have changed slightly with the pandemic to help keep employees safe and reduce the spread of the virus.
Manuals should clearly outline evacuation procedures and emergency exits should always be clearly marked. Practice different types of drills to help everyone feel prepared for an emergency. Employee participation and training helps make sure everyone is invested in keeping the workplace safe.
3. Monitor your operation
Transparency into your operation is the best way to monitor safety hazards and to ensure safety procedures are being followed. You should be conducting daily safety audits, but going through your operation with more care this spring can alert you to potential issues.
You should also be regularly reviewing your emergency action plan, lockout/tagout procedures and new hire training programs.
If you’re concerned that your safety procedures aren’t up to par, consider partnering with a trusted staffing firm. SIMOS has the proper safety program and procedures to make sure associates are staying safe in the workplace.
