Safety is growing as a priority in companies large and small. Businesses can experience loss of employee work hours, increases in insurance costs and incur violations and fines if they don't operate in a safe manner. According to 2008 statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workplace suicides rose 28 percent from the previous year, and fatal injuries from fires or explosions rose by 14 percent. Companies and employees alike are taking safety seriously and developing ideas to improve the lives and well-being of their workforce and workplaces.
Parking Lot Safety
Parking lots are potential sources for robbery, car burglaries and abductions. The potential for harm is greatest at night. Companies can develop safety drills and classes to make employees aware of hazards when parking, entering and exiting their vehicles. Safety classes can be developed in conjunction with insurance companies, parking lot owners and human resource departments. Training should incorporate drills to teach employees check surroundings, make note of cars in adjoining spaces, and secure their keys prior to exiting vehicles. Promote parking safety classes on company intranets, employee cafeterias or make attendance mandatory. Insurance companies will be a good source for structuring the safety classes and potentially sponsoring or covering related costs and fees.
Information Safety
An old saying goes "Loose lips sink ships." It is easy to understand that employees who just leave a client presentation or a lunch to celebrate bringing a new client on-board might unknowingly reveal information in an elevator or at a restaurant. Information leaked, however innocent, could provide insights and details that could jeopardize business relationships. Companies can incorporate safety classes that cover precautions on when, where and who to divulge information to regarding business affairs. Classes can also include safety advice for using the Internet and prevent identity theft so that safety is exercised at work and at home.
Fire Safety Drills
In the event of a fire, vision can be impaired. Workers may not be able to recognize fire exits when smoke is present, and the lack of recognition could become life threatening. Hold smoke simulator sessions to teach and train employees what to do in the event of a fire that emits smoke that impairs vision. Get the support of local fire marshals to help with the drill simulator session. Blindfold a group of employees and have them crawl to an exit. Have other employees watch them as they go through the drill. If the company is in a building with an interior staircase, prepare a drill to teach employees proceed down the staircase in a fire Structure the drill and teaching sessions with the advice of the fire department to incorporate the recommended survival strategies.
