When it comes to workplace health and safety, being able to assess a safety risk and implement policies accordingly ensures a better working environment for all. Performing unfamiliar tasks in the workplace can become hazardous, leading to increased risk. In fact, a recent Canadian study found that “only 1 out of 5 new workers receives safety training.”
Educating workers on the importance of appropriate training is crucial to providing enhanced productivity and financial benefits in the work atmosphere. It’s vital that companies prioritise personnel safety, and educate accordingly.
Employees who display confidence in their safety at work tend to be more satisfied with their work environment. This then leads to an increase in employee loyalty – boosting employee retention.
Here are the key reasons that health and safety training is more important now than ever.
Diversity in employment
The changes within the job market in the last few decades have seen an increased demand for occupational health and safety training. The rise of the unpaid internship culture means new young workers entering the workforce may not have the necessary education and knowledge to contribute towards a safe working place for all employees.
New workers display a higher risk to workplace safety, with many unsure about their safety rights and responsibilities. This can lead to a more hazardous working environment increases the risk of on the job accidents. This can decrease a company’s productivity while increasing an employee’s lost time from work.
This can have a profound impact on a company. The increase of on-the-job accidents can potentially be extremely costly. It can also create a negative reputation for the company, diminishing their ability to attract highly skilled employees.
Increase in employee morale
Employers are a powerful contributor to workplace morale. An employer who stresses the importance of education and awareness of health and safety standards contributes to positive factors within the workplace. This will lead a better overall outlook and attitude from the employees.
The impact of globalization means many companies face a shortage of highly skilled employees, with some facing increased turnover rates. A workforce with positive employee morale leads to better cooperation and productivity in the workplace.
Even if accidents do occur, a strong foundation of education and awareness will keep employee morale high.
Boost productivity
Without an effective health and safety program in place, companies may find that employees are more likely to suffer from illnesses and absences. This diminishes company productivity, workforce performance, and fosters a dysfunctional work environment. It also creates liability risks for the company.
A company that introduces an effective training program will find that employee absenteeism will diminish. For those in management or positions of authority, having an in-depth understanding of these programs means employees remain fighting fit. This reduces the number of workplace accidents meaning fewer hours are lost to illness or absence.
If managers and supervisors have training in relevant practices, they can ensure their staff are actively involved in creating a safe and productive work environment. Being able to assess and control risks creates a healthier working environment, keeping the workplace running smoothly.
Reduce liability risk
A safer work environment provides key benefits beyond employee morale and productivity. It also provides key financial benefits.
A safe work environment means a company is less likely to make a claim. Since insurance premiums can be a significant expense for any company, one that takes action to ensure injuries and illnesses are prevented can reduce their insurance premiums. This is money that can be invested back into the business.
Deploying a safety plan throughout the workplace that’s strictly enforced reduces financial losses that may be accrued through regulatory penalties and workers compensation.
It goes without saying that now more than ever, in today’s competitive global market, companies should emphasise the importance of occupational health and safety. After all, the best investment any company can make is to its people.
A safe employee is a happy employee, and a happy employee ensures the success of any company. When companies place a great importance on both a health and safe workplace, they are able to attract and retain top talent, which ultimately, will enhance a company’s profits in the long run.
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