Dec 28, 2020
New Year’s Resolutions for a Safer Workplace
Nate Hansford
Now that the end of the year is here, it is time to make New Year’s resolutions. While it can be fun to make personal resolutions, like to try a new hairstyle or save up for a new television, we think the best resolutions are those that help yourself and others. As Atlanta’s trusted team of workers’ compensation attorneys, we at Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys would like to encourage you to make New Year’s resolutions to create a safer work environment!
Ultimately, the safety of your workspace is your employer’s responsibility. However, every employee from supervisors to new hires can do their part in making a workspace safe and accident-free. Everyone benefits when everyone is thinking about safety first and foremost.
Here are a handful of workplace safety New Year’s resolutions you might want to consider:
- First-aid kits: Every workplace needs a fully loaded and accessible first-aid kit. There should be at least one on every floor and in every breakroom. However, first-aid kit supplies are often overlooked when conducting safety checks because people naturally assume that a first-aid kit has the needed items inside it. For your New Year’s resolution, you should check your workspace’s first-aid kit at the start of each month and notify your employer if any supplies need to be replenished.
- Workplace cleaning supplies: Speaking of supplies useful for making a safe work environment, do not forget about cleaning products. Each breakroom should have some standard cleaning products that do not use harsh chemicals. You never know when you will need to mop up a spill or dust your computer. The idea is that a clean and kempt workspace naturally promotes workplace safety because it becomes easier to spot potential hazards. Your resolution can be similar to the first-aid kit resolution, which is to check the cleaning supplies each month and notify your employer as necessary.
- Safety check schedules: You have probably heard the old mantra “haste makes waste.” While this is true, the mantra could probably be extended to say that it also makes accidents. Trying to take shortcuts while conducting safety checks or inspections is a bad idea. If you have been named as your team’s or your company’s unofficial safety inspector, then you need to take that responsibility seriously and make certain your safety checks are thorough enough to be useful. Make a resolution to create safety check schedules that not only help you check every possible issue but also make it so you can conduct your safety check with minimal interruption to your workflow.
- Lead by example: The best way to promote safety in your workplace is to do as you say. Lead by example and show your coworkers and employer how easy it can be to always be safe and smart about how you go about your work. Together, you and all of your coworkers can help bring annual workplace accidents down to zero, no matter the size of your employer or corporation.
If you liked these New Year’s resolution ideas, don’t keep them to yourself! Please feel free to share this blog with your coworkers and employer as an easy way to encourage others to think about workplace safety.
If you ever need a workers’ compensation lawyer for a claim filed in Atlanta, then remember our name and number: 770-922-3660. Initial consultations are always free for inquiring clients.
