Running a startup requires immense dedication, hard work, and discipline. But as you navigate the complexities of establishing a new business, workplace safety is likely to take a backseat. However, leaving it to chance can land you in deep trouble. If a mishap occurs, your finances and reputation may take a hit. Moreover, employee morale and productivity can decline.
Even worse, you may encounter a work injury lawsuit, which is the last thing you want at this stage. The best way to address these risks is by preventing accidents with adequate workplace safety measures for your startup. They may seem like a burden for your small budget, but you should not skimp on them. Here are some steps you can implement without worrying about the expense.
Evaluate your risks
As an entrepreneur, you are likely to focus more on the optimistic side of the picture. But you must evaluate the potential risks that affect your workplace’s safety. Consider the risk elements like physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and occupational threats to your employees. Get inputs from your workforce as they can give a better view of the actual risks on the floor. Once you know the threats, it is easy to plan a defense strategy.
Define safety goals
Although you should aim for zero accidents in your startup workplace, it is not practically possible. So it makes sense to define realistic safety goals for your organization. Consider your budget and implement the best possible measures to address risks and ensure the well-being of the entire team. As an entrepreneur, your goal should be to minimize the threats as far as possible.
Create a workplace policy
The best way to protect your employees and customers is to have a robust workplace safety policy. Experts at Quittance Legal Services recommend understanding your duty of care and ensuring that your policy prioritizes it. Having a viable policy indicates that you take employee well-being seriously. In addition to making your workplace accident-free, it takes you a long way with employee loyalty, retention, and morale. All these factors can take you ahead as an employer brand.
Implement a procedure to report hazards
Besides defining a safety policy, you must implement a procedure to report hazards and issues. This way, you can stay a step ahead of the impending risks leading to mishaps. Moreover, ensure that your workers report injuries right away. It can help you handle worker’s comp cases better and make it easy to settle them rather than cause disputes. Establish steps for reporting safety issues and communicate them to the team members.
Invest in employee training
Trained workers are less likely to make errors that lead to accidents in the workplace. They are also more productive and efficient in the long run. It makes sense to include employee safety training in your startup budget. Consider it a wise investment that pays back for itself. Training should include more than the education on operating machinery safely. You can go the extra mile with first-aid procedures like CPR, as they can be life-saving in emergencies.
Startups have several risks to deal with, and safety is an often-overlooked concern. But you must do your bit to secure your premises, people, and operations. Luckily, you can follow these measures and do the needful without burning a hole in your wallet.
