Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Team Experts
Not only are workplaces required to be safe environments due to government rules and regulations, but the reputation of your business and the safety and security of everyone involved in your business also depends on it.
With this in mind, let’s look at some key things business owners and staff can do to ensure the workplace is both a safe place for everyone concerned, as well as remaining compliant with Australian laws.
Have Your Premises Inspected By a Professional
You can hire the services of a workplace health and safety professional on a temporary basis. This way, you can get an expert who will be able to tell you where your business is and isn’t compliant with workplace health and safety standards, as well as make suggestions on what can be done to improve safety in your work environment overall.
At least if you have your business or place of work professionally audited for safety in this way, you’ll be assured that you’re compliant with the laws as well as the peace of mind of knowing your workplace is a safe environment for everyone.
Liaising with an expert will enable business owners and staff members to better understand what’s required when it comes to workplace health and safety.
Employees Need To Be Trained In Workplace Health and Safety Measures
Everyone involved in the workplace needs to be aware of what’s required when it comes to workplace health and safety regulations and how to improve safety overall. Therefore, it’s a wise idea to hold regular meetings and conduct periodic training sessions to get everyone up to speed.
During these group get togethers, everyone can offer up ideas and feedback on anything in the business they think presents a hazard or could be improved upon.
You could even take things a step further and start rewarding employees for their good ideas or safe work behaviour.
Keep the Work Environment Clutter-Free
This can apply to any type of business. Clutter, junk, rubbish and debris lying about creates an unnecessary hazard that is easily resolved. Make a point of always keeping the workplace clutter-free and regularly drum that point into everyone who works there.
Placing signs around the workplace can help serve as a reminder to everyone; signs stating to take the rubbish out, clean up after using equipment, sweep the floors, not leave tools and equipment lying about and so on. Sometimes, people just need a gentle reminder to get things done and signs work well for this.
Everyone Needs Regular Breaks
One thing that can cause problems in virtually any work environment is fatigue. With fatigue comes a lack of focus and concentration and this can lead to mistakes being made.
Regular breaks should be scheduled, especially for people who are operating machinery. More breaks than one in the morning and one for lunch can prove to be beneficial. They don’t have to be long breaks. Even if it’s just a break for 5 minutes to clear the mind and get refocused.
Take Workplace Health and Safety Up a level With Software
Specialist software has been developed to help business owners and managers with their workplace health and safety requirements. Health and safety software makes reporting of any workplace incidents super easy and the software will even help you to remain compliant with the rules and regulations.
Most importantly, with the help of dedicated and high-tech software, your workplace will become a much safer place for everyone to be. And that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.
The software can even alert you to WHS risks and potential hazards, so you can readily stay on top of things.
Business Owners Need To Lead By Example
There is little point in dictating WHS terms to employees if business owners flaunt the rules themselves. Not only will this lose the respect of the workforce, but they’ll also be inclined to flaunt the rules too if they see their boss doing so.
Business owners need to lead by example at all times.
In Conclusion
A lot of WHS is basically common sense but it’s also important to be fully aware of the regulations and laws that govern your industry so you can remain compliant.
Read more: How to Implement a Workplace Safety Program
