Everyone deserves to work in a safe environment, where they can perform job duties without having to worry about their wellbeing. As a business owner, it’s part of your job to provide a safe workplace and make continual efforts to maintain safety over the years.  

In addition to providing a safe place for employees and customers, boosting safety measures can also help you save on workers compensation insurance. The fewer risks associated with your business, the lower your premiums are likely to be.  

Sounds like a win-win situation, right? We’ve gathered a few ideas for your consideration to help improve your workplace’s safety.  

• Keep the building clean and tidy. Clutter and debris can lead to accidents in which people can fall and get injured. Similarly, make sure any necessary repairs are promptly made. 
• Install smoke alarms and fire sprinklers, but don’t let fire safety stop there. Post maps of fire evacuation routes, plan biannual fire drills and train employees to use fire extinguishers. 
• Prevent the risk of fire by banning open flames from the workplace. Smoking should be conducted only in designated outdoor areas. If employees use electric candle warmers or space heaters, they should be turned off before leaving the building. 
• Use the appropriate storage containers: Store oily rags and/or other grease or flammable soaked materials in metal containers with self-closing lids and make sure they’re emptied daily. Store flammable liquids in approved metal cabinets. 
• Mark spills and other hazards as soon as possible to prevent trips and slips. Make sure they’re cleaned or repaired promptly.  \
• Enforce general safety rules, such as no running and no horseplay. 
• Remove tripping hazards. A great start is to coil wires neatly against walls, place no-slip mats under rugs and keep file cabinet drawers (especially lower ones) closed when not in use. 
• If your employees must use non-standard equipment or materials, provide thorough training and any necessary protective gear and clothing. In addition, keep first aid supplies nearby. 
• If your employees are mostly confined to desks, encourage them to stand up to stretch and/or go for short walks several times per day. This helps ease muscle tension and other stresses. 
• Protect the security of the building with an alarm system, deadbolt locks, security cameras and appropriate lighting.