Make Workplace Safety Your 2023 Resolution

Most people set New Year’s resolutions with the intent to significantly improve their lives. These aspirations often include saving money, picking up a new skill, and leading a healthier lifestyle. Companies can do the same. If you run a business, it’s time to resolve to protecting your employees and assets by making their workplace safer. Prioritizing workplace safety should be one of your top priorities for 2023 to prevent injuries and accidents and promote the health and well-being of your team.

Understanding workplace safety

To create a secure workplace, it’s important to take precautionary measures in the form of OSHA safety training and set up policies aimed at averting incidents that could result in harm or injury. By proactively implementing such strategies, we can greatly reduce the likelihood of any dangerous occurrences in your work environment.

A safe workplace can benefit everyone—from your staff to your customers to your managers and investors. Besides reducing illnesses and injuries, a safer working environment can decrease lost workdays and overhead costs. Here are some of the workplace safety resolutions you can consider for your business:

1. Health and safety are your 2023 mantra

Review your current health and safety management program and update it with a fresh vision and an updated slogan for the new year. This way, you can show that you care about the well-being of your employees while reminding them of the importance of workplace safety.

2. Reconsider training
Think of how well-equipped your workers are to perform their roles safely without risking others and themselves. Rethink and revisit OSHA safety training if you notice gaps in their knowledge or if it has been a while since their last refresher course. This also ensures that you and your team are up-to-date with the most recent health and safety standards.

3. Update your health and safety policy
When was the last time you reviewed and refreshed your health and safety policy? It’s best to review it at least once a year or when work legislation and practices change. Regulations evolve constantly, so make sure that you remain up-to-date with the latest policies and standards to stay ahead of the game.

4. Conduct a risk assessment of your workplace
Risk assessments are an absolute necessity to keep your business safe and secure. These evaluations aid in recognizing any potential dangers to the workplace environment and enable you to take actionable steps towards decreasing or eliminating them. An updated and complete assessment can help staff stay safe while ensuring your company’s compliance with health and safety laws.

Make it a point to review your risk assessments at least annually or whenever there are actual incidents, near-misses, or significant changes in workplace activities.

5. Inspect and verify your equipment
Refer to the inspection dates of all equipment in the workplace, and replace or update them when necessary. Likewise, ensure that alarms and fire extinguishers are in good working condition and that your first-aid kits are well-stocked, without expired items. This resolution is also an opportunity to remind or educate your employees on regulations about equipment use.

6. Eliminate workplace hazards
Declutter and deep clean the workplace for a safer and healthier environment. These activities can prevent common accidents like slips, falls, and trips.

7. Reflect on the previous year’s events
Think back to the events and incidents of 2022 to identify successes and mistakes you can learn from. You can refer to them to make informed and specific safety resolutions.

8. Consult a professional
The insights of health and safety specialists can help ensure compliant practices and premises to help your organization avoid problems in the long run.

If you require OSHA safety training, Impact Safety offers courses specific to the roles of different employees in your organization. Our safety certification and training classes will help your business improve and implement the best workplace safety standards and practices to keep everyone safe and healthy.