Having a safe office environment isn’t simply a wish: it’s a must. Whether you’re a long-serving manager or a recent graduate in an entry-level role, you need to feel safe, secure and looked after to be able to work to your maximum potential.

But, in reality, what does that mean? How can you tell if your employer is taking your safety seriously?

Signs

If your employer is taking your safety seriously there may be safety signs around the office, such as those from mysafetysign.com. These signs will point to potential risks around the office such as trip hazards, electrical equipment or wet surfaces.

• If you see signs like these around your office, you know that your employer is aware of any possibilities of danger and is alert to any changes that occur in the office.    

First aid facilities

All offices must be equipped with adequate first aid facilities in case an accident occurs in the workplace. The first aid box must always be well stocked and you should know where it’s kept, and who’s in charge of it.

There should also always be at least one person in the office who is trained in first aid. Your employer should encourage you to become a trained first aider and book any courses to progress your knowledge.

Training

Alongside first aid training, an employer who takes your safety seriously should ensure that you have had the correct training for the job, whether this is with equipment, programmes or customers.

When you aren’t properly trained, you feel unprepared, and this can cause risks to yourself and others around you.

A supportive employer who provides the proper training cares about you and wants you to feel confident that you are the best person for the job. They also want to support your intellectual growth and should encourage you to undertake any further training to expand your knowledge and develop your skillset.

Hygiene

Having a clean environment is extremely important and is a clear sign that your employer cares about your safety. Dirty and messy communal areas can attract unwanted germs and cause hazards, and this includes the kitchens, toilets and reception areas.

We all know that colds and bugs can spread much quicker in a busy office environment, but untidiness can have detrimental effects on your mental health, too. A dirty office space also indicates that your employer doesn’t care about appearances or promoting their business. If they’re scrimping on office hygiene, what else are they scrimping on?

Supportive

When we think of safety, we mainly think of equipment, hygiene and trip hazards. However, you could also feel unsafe at work because of the behaviour of fellow colleagues, managers or clients.

• If this is the case and you have flagged the behaviour of a colleague with your employer or the HR department, the incident should be treated with care, kindness and respect.

An employer should never make you feel petty for reporting an issue with a co-worker and he or she should treat the incident with upmost confidentiality.

© New To HR