Employees are the foundation of every organization. Having the utmost concern for their safety and well-being should be paramount. How do you successfully cultivate and maintain a “Safety first, safety always” environment? Besides having complete support and buy-in from leadership, stakeholders, and your team, a safety mindset must be of chief importance for every employee at every level of your organization.
Remember, no matter how safe a workplace appears to be, occupational health and safety hazards will still exist. By optimizing proper training and safety protocols and minimizing risks, both accident and injury rates can be significantly reduced.
There are many misconceptions regarding workplace safety—let’s separate the facts from the fiction:
FACT or FICTION? When a workplace is safer, employees are more productive.
FACT:
A safe working environment benefits everyone within the organization. When a work environment is safe for all employees, productivity (and morale) is higher. Workers can focus on their specific job function and perform at their peak—without the worry of workplace hazards or having to deal with the inconvenience of missed days or the stress and pain of debilitating injuries.
FACT or FICTION? Slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the workplace.
FACT:
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the most common workplace fatality. Keep in mind, most of these dangers are preventable. The importance of diligently following OSHA guidelines and critical internal safety measures cannot be underestimated.
FACT or FICTION? Workers with more seniority have the highest rates of workplace accidents.
FICTION:
Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics says otherwise. New employees are at the greatest risk for workplace accidents. In fact, about 40% of injuries happen with employees who have been working in their current job for under a year. It is believed that inadequate training about safety protocols and workplace hazards are the key culprits for these numbers.
FACT or FICTION? Injury prevention programs help mitigate the risk of injuries.
FACT:
OSHA reports that when employers follow strict health and safety programs, injury rates are reduced anywhere from 9-60%, depending upon the program. (Other benefits may include lower turnover and higher productivity.)
Make Safety a Priority
From the correct way to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to understanding warehouse walkway protocol, every employee must undergo comprehensive safety training on day one. It should not stop there. Employees must have access to ongoing training and adhere to all regulatory compliance guidelines. An atmosphere of open communication should always be encouraged and swift action must be taken to address any concerns that arise.
In recent decades, workplace injuries and fatalities have steadily decreased. There is still work to be done. In addition to the humane benefits, a safer supply chain can also reduce costs (lower insurance premiums), boost productivity, and elevate customer trust. Don’t delay—adopt the “safety first, safety always” motto today.
Kem Krest
Kem Krest, a certified minority business enterprise (MBE), is the nation’s leading provider of supply chain optimization solutions to automotive, powersports, and heavy-duty OEMs. Through our dedicated team members, lean operating system, and streamlined technology, Kem Krest ensures a resilient and uninterrupted supply chain for the programs we manage. Through customized end to end solutions that address every facet of the supply chain—from inventory management, fulfillment, warehousing, kitting, packaging, logistics, and transportation management, Kem Krest enables companies to increase operational efficiency, deliver superior customer and employee experiences, focus on growth initiatives, and achieve cost savings. Kem Krest partners with companies to virtualize their supply chains through a growing network of 12 facilities in the US and Canada, featuring 1.75M sq. ft. of warehouse space and 600+ full-time team members. For more information, please visit Kem Krest’s website at KemKrest.com.