10 Workplace Safety Tips for 2024

Our Relationship with Safety

In 2022, work-related incidents and diseases led to a loss of 3.99 million workdays in B.C., costing over $500 million in operational costs. This highlights the critical need for a strong safety culture in every workplace. At Leavitt Machinery, with over 1300 employees across North America, we are committed to not just achieving but living this standard of safety. Our goal is clear: eliminate workplace injuries, not just reduce them. We aim for zero incidents, and we're here to share expert tips to help your company do the same.

"An organization with a great safety culture doesn’t have to think about “doing safety”, it’s just part of the day to day." -Amy Stickney, Safety Specialist 

1. Building a safety culture

   Make it crystal clear to your team that safety isn't just a priority, it's THE priority. Blend logic with care. Sure, we need you safe for our own good, but let's face it – the team's not at its best if someone's sidelined. Show them that safety adjustments aren't just possible, they're encouraged. This starts with owners and upper management and extends to brand-new employees. Consistency across the board means no second-guessing safety choices. Empower them with the right tools and resources, and assure them that prioritizing their workplace safety never comes with a penalty.

2. Don’t take the easy way out

   Prioritizing workplace safety should always be the cornerstone of any high-risk task. Let's consider a scenario where you're faced with the task of installing equipment at a height of 15 feet. While it might seem feasible to simply climb the wall, it's not the safest approach. The wisest decision in that situation is to pause the project and arrange for a boom lift and a fall protection plan. This delay, although it might seem like a setback, ensures your workplace safety and the quality of the work. By investing in these safety measures, companies protect their employees and enhance their operations' overall efficiency and quality. Remember, a task done safely is a task done right. The extra time taken to ensure safety is always worth it in the long run. The job of the company is to make the safest path the most accessible one.

3. Understanding the risk

   Education is key. We're not just talking scrapes and bruises here; we're addressing serious stuff that can happen that have long term repercussions on your health. Many don't realize the gravity of accidents that can happen from something as simple as a 6-foot ladder fall or skipping a mask around toxic chemicals. Keeping your team clued in about these dangers keeps everyone on the lookout for and protective of each other.

4. Be equipped to do the job

   Giving your employees the right tools to succeed is for both safety and productivity. Get the right equipment. Don’t know what equipment to get? Consult a professional. Ensure it’s proper, up to standard and easily accessible to all employees, not in a storage locker somewhere on the other side of the city. It might be a costly investment, but compared to the cost of an accident, it's a no-brainer.

5. Be aware of hazards

   As the workplace safety champion, stay tuned into current risks in your workplace. Frequent site checks might not be feasible, so what's the alternative? The grapevine! A grapevine with documentation and checklists, that is. Create an easy reporting system for employees to flag dangers and train them in hazard recognition and avoidance. Being in the know about what your team faces daily is crucial.

6. Train, keep training and then train again

   We're not talking about locomotives. At Leavitt, we're all about machinery and top-notch training, reaching over 40,000 people annually across North America. On top of our client training, we are also big believers in internal training, which spans a wide range – from WHMIS for IT staff to sitting ergonomics for technicians. Workplace safety training isn't one-size-fits-all; it should be universal. Having an internal training system can be the difference maker in accident prevention. If it isn’t feasible for you to build your training program, outsourcing is a great option as well. If you’re not sure what you need to train your employees on, engage with your team to understand and meet their training needs.

7. Have a plan

   Accidents don't RSVP. A well-structured emergency plan eases employee anxiety and builds trust. This includes evacuation routes, muster points, safety personnel, first aid kits, and return-to-work strategies. Knowing there's a solid plan in place lets your team focus on their work in a stress-free manner.

8. Staying both physically and mentally fit

   Healthy employees are safe employees. Encouraging physical and mental fitness is crucial. Improving fitness lowers injury risk. Fitness facilities, partnerships with gyms for employee discounts, and employee benefits are tools that contribute to a strong, accident-resistant team. A healthy workforce is a productive one.

9. Knowing when to take a break

   Productivity has its limits. Recognize when your team needs a breather. Short strolls, coffee breaks, or a midday pause can prevent accidents and boost efficiency. Pay attention to individual work rhythms and encourage breaks. If someone has just completed a labour intensive task, encourage them to sit down for a second. If you’ve just written a blog about 10 workplace safety tips, take a short walk around the building. Safety and productivity go hand-in-hand.

10. Be a safety nerd

Embrace your inner safety nerd. Stay informed and prevent rather than reconcile. Staying updated on new information through email blasts, blogs, and websites is how always to ensure you’re keeping your employees safe and out of harm's way. Train your team, but also train yourself to be their safety guide.

Be Proud Of Safety

Here's the thing, safety might work in the shadows, but its impact is monumental. It's about ensuring John doesn't miss his kid's soccer game due to a work injury or helping Lisa run that 10k thanks to an ergonomically perfect desk setup. Workplace safety isn't just about avoiding mishaps; it's about empowering lives. It's the unsung hero, the quiet guardian, and the backbone of a thriving workplace. So, as you navigate the world of workplace safety tips, remember, you're not just enforcing rules; you're crafting a culture of care, vigilance, and well-being. Now, that's something to be proud of!