Budget Friendly Workplace Safety Tips for Every Business

Regardless of the size, industry, or scope of your business, one of the biggest challenges every employer must face is ensuring the health and safety of its employees. All too often, employers and employees don’t realize that workplace safety even applies to them - it’s a common misconception that safety is something only large businesses or specific industries should worry about. These days, every business needs to be aware of and have a plan for safety hazards in order to maintain a safe and compliant work environment. Here are a few budget-friendly tips that apply to all businesses that will help ensure the health and safety of your workforce:

• Know and Understand the Rules and Regulations
  Small businesses are held to different safety standards than large corporations are. Be sure to educate yourself on current safety standards applicable to your business.
  
• Don’t Skimp of Safety Features or PPE
  Don’t allow your employees to use equipment that is old, outdated, or in need of repair. An employee injured due to unsafe equipment costs a lot more than the cost of updating and replacing that equipment. It is also crucial to provide your employees the required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) related to their job. This is a necessary cost that has both short- and long-term benefits by helping to prevent accidents and/or long-term harm to your employees.
  
• Encourage Safety in Your Workplace
  Recognize the employees who go above and beyond to keep safety a top priority. Recognition not only makes that employee want to keep up the good work, but also encourages others to follow suit.
  
• Provide Safety Trainings
  Providing safety training to your workforce is a sure way to greatly reduce risks, hazards, and dangerous behavior that could lead to not only injuries, but also to costly violations and fines. 
  
• Post Safety Reminders
  Posters around your workplace are a great way to keep health and safety in the forefront of your employee’s minds. They don’t have to be fancy -  memes and the use of humor are a great way to ensure they’re read and remembered without costing much at all.

When it comes to creating and maintaining a safe work environment, you are better off being proactive rather than reactive. Being proactive doesn’t have to break the bank, but it is important to do the things that really matter (such as investing in proper PPE). You can afford anything that helps your business and your employees be safe and healthy – what you can’t afford is an injured employee, or a crippling lawsuit due to safety negligence.