9 Ways to Increase Workplace Safety
Many jobs in the oil and gas industry pose risks to workers. When injury occurs, productivity decreases, morale declines and concerns about additional accidents distract and disengage the rest of the team.
Here are nine ways to improve safety in order to keep your workers healthy and focused:
- Train them. Clear, accessible, thorough training helps workers do their jobs more effectively and safely. Don’t forget to include regular review sessions to ensure safety procedures are treated as the “right” way to do things.
- Hire for safety. Hiring workers who understand the importance of safety guidelines and know how to follow them can help you avoid accidents. Safer workers improve both their own safety and the safety of those around them.
- Lead by example. Follow the safety regulations – every single time. Insist that all supervisors and managers do the same. When leadership follows the rules, workers will notice and follow suit.
- Reward safe behavior. Rewarding completion, “no matter what it takes,” is a recipe for risky shortcuts that could result in injury. Instead, focus on rewarding safe behavior, even if it means missing the occasional deadline or quote.
- Post reminders. Although training can help ingrain certain habits, it never hurts to remind workers about the need for safety. Safety signs and notices remind workers to don their hard hats, grab a pair of gloves or double-check before stepping into the forklift’s usual path.
- Give workers what they need to stay safe. Workplaces that provide safety items make it easier for workers to use them, and they provide no excuses for “forgetting.” Make sure all workplace safety equipment is available and insist that workers use it.
- Keep it clean. Spills, dirt, debris and clutter are responsible for a significant number of injuries every year – and these injuries are preventable. Make cleaning a part of the “right” way to do the job.
- Keep maintenance up to date. Machines, tools and equipment that operate properly help reduce the risk of injuries. They also help workers do their jobs more efficiently, boosting productivity. Make sure maintenance is carried out according to a clear schedule.
- Look for improvements. While 100 percent safety should be the goal, in reality, every workplace can improve. Encourage employees to point out potential risks and recommend possible ideas for improvement.
At FootBridge Energy Services, our experienced recruiters can find the people you need to build a strong and safe workplace culture within the energy industry. Contact us today to learn more about our energy staffing services.
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