The workplace can often be a place where most of us spend a lot of our time, and it can be extremely rewarding, especially if you have a career that you love. But with their being a huge rise in work related accidents and incidents, business owners, HR staff, managers and team leaders need to be more aware of the ways they can safeguard and protect their employees.

With that in mind, here are some of the things to consider. 

When they have access to and use machinery

Many workplaces require staff and team members to use machinery of some sort. It might be in a factory or warehouse environment, or even things such as large photocopiers or printing machines. As an employer, there is a responsibility to ensure that the employees using these machines and tools are doing so in the correct way. This means the right level of protective wear is being worn when using, and also knowing exactly how to use the machines and tools.

By visiting a safeguarding consultant, you can work together to put a health and safety policy in place. This ensures that the employees are fully aware of what is expected of them. It also covers yourself if there happens to be any issues that arise in the future. 

During the winter months 

The winter can be a harsh time of the year, and so it may be time to start thinking about how you as an employer can protect and safeguard your employees during this time.

It could be simple things such as access to the workplace, especially if it can be quite remote anyway. When people are crossing ice roads and driving to facilities in harsh conditions, it is important to have done what you can to make access easier and safer.

You also need to think about work conditions, such as having heating and keeping the place warm. 

During the summer months 

Summer can also be a difficult time of the year, although the weather is great, and there are not so many obvious issues that can cause harm to your employees, you still have a duty of care to make sure that your employees can work in the conditions.

This can mean things like having working air conditioning and also having access to water and drinks. 

Their mental wellbeing 

These days there is so much more open communication regarding mental health, and now as an employer you do have a responsibility to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of your staff members is maintained and positive.

It might be time for you to change the way things are dealt with in your workplace, or to make the lines of communication between line managers and staff more open. Talking about things that can help alleviate some of the mental stress that might be built up can help staff members to feel more productive and happier in the job roles.

Workload could be an indicator of what is causing them to feel down, depressed, anxious or stressed, so it is worth checking to ensure that you are doing all you can to help and not hinder. 

Let’s hope these suggestions help you to safeguard your employees. 

© New To HR