Or is it you? Every business has or should have safety leaders. Selected employees make up a safety committee. This is sometimes a group of persons who would rather be anywhere instead of a safety meeting. It is up to the leader to make this assignment a fun and interesting task, rather than a boring gathering.
When businesses have a safety leader that is certified in CPR training, and many other facets of safety, one who conducts regular safety drills, this leader is truly interested in getting out the message that the workplace must be safe for all workers. Safety leadership and employee interaction equal success in employee safety. Inspired leaders can take the company unit or team to the next level of performance. It is important that department managers or assigned employees share responsibilities and answer to their safety manager.
According to the National Safety Council, 25 per cent of all emergency room visits can be avoided if someone knows basic first aid and CPR; 13 per cent of workplace deaths are from sudden cardiac arrests, and for every $1 invested in first aid training and wellness programs, health care costs may be reduced by $3.84 and lower absenteeism costs by $5.82. Having these skills may enable an employee to save a co-worker’s life.
Businesses must plan and train for emergencies, regardless if it is a natural disaster, criminal act, fire, or other life-threatening event. Have your plan in place; your employees should be included in the planning phase, and the entire workforce should know the plan, where exits are, where to report if possible, and other actions they should take. Having random fire drills and emergency situation drills can play a part in the success of being prepared. Ensuring that your leader and your employees are on the same page will promote a positive reaction.
Professional safety leaders are educated in every facet of workplace safety; some in specialized fields. They know how to train workers to keep the workplace safe, and make it more of a challenge for workers.
Suggestion: A safety leader could get permission from the administration and employees to make a training video, featuring the employees performing their every day responsibilities. It is amusing how persons show more interest when they see how they function in the workplace. Humor could be added to make it even more fun. (Maybe a “staged” accident!)
Never take safety responsibilities for granted; your leaders should instill a positive attitude and make each worker proud to do their part in keeping their Number One priority, going home from work safe every day.