We’re always excited when a new employee starts at Arbill. We plan in advance to welcome the employee and make sure he/she meets with key people and learns the ropes from our experienced staff. It’s also important that all new employees—in every area of the company—understand from day one that we are a safety company. Nothing is more important than keeping workers safe.
When our newest employee seemed confused about the complimentary steel toed shoes and hard hat he discovered in his new office, we explained that if he needs to venture into our busy warehouse beyond the painted yellow caution lines, he would be protected.
Safety is a priority for many organizations. Those companies that understand the true value of safety have embraced it to protect their workers. They celebrate safety milestones. They reward workers that protect their coworkers by being observant and keeping the workplace safe. In organizations like these, they are building a Culture of Safety where every employee has a vested interest in being safe. We applaud those companies that have worked safety into their culture.
For those companies that have not made that level of commitment, one simple way to make safety more of a priority is to share safety information with your workers. This could be done in a meeting, or it could simply be an occasional e-mail. Sharing an article or perhaps a blog about safety culture or hand protection, or workplace hazards lets your workers know that you, as a safety leader of your organization, care enough about them to share this information.
It’s our hope that you read and get something out of each newsletter that we share. It’s also our hope that you share the information with your workers because you believe the content will interest them, hopefully educate, or create better awareness, and ultimately help protect them.
Before Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) was created, an estimated 14,000 workers were killed on the job every year. Today, workplaces are much safer and healthier. The numbers have dropped significantly from 38 fatal injuries a day to 13. Part of the reason for that is better safety products and safety training. Another key part is awareness of potential issues and better communication about safety.
If you get into the habit of sharing safety tips, safety blogs or articles by industry experts, it will remind your workers that you care about their safety. It will tell them that you want them to be safe.
It’s our goal to ensure every worker makes it home safe at the end of the day. For us, it’s not about buying our gloves or other forms of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). That’s wonderful if we meet that need for you, but the most important thing is that your workers are safe. And because your workers are safer, they will be more productive, which will benefit your bottom line. Of course, that is in addition to knowing that after a hard day’s work, your workers returned to their families just the way they left safe and sound.
Set the tone from the beginning with your new employees, by providing a formal orientation program that is catered to their specific job or work area. Clearly explain what equipment they should wear, the hazards they should be aware of and how to properly operate or use the equipment. Additionally, provide ongoing training on job specific safety topics and encourage managers to regularly check in with new employees to see how they are progressing.
For information on how to establish an effective safety orientation process, speak to a safety advisor to see how a comprehensive approach to safety can lead to a reduction in injuries.
