Blog Layout
Tips for a Safe Work Environment
thinksem-dev • Dec 17, 2014
There are many ways to make sure you are providing a safe work environment for your employees, and the techniques you use likely depend upon the type of business you are in. But there are some basic tips that every business owner can use to help create a safe workplace and avoid costly workers’ compensation insurance claims.
- Create a safe working area. Workplaces should be well-planned with much thought going in to how machines are positioned, materials staged, and so on. Processes and procedures should be laid out meticulously and employees should be well-trained.
- Maintain a clean work area. Clean work areas are safer and more productive than those that are unclean and disorganized.
- Get employees involved in safety planning. Employees probably know more about unsafe processes or procedures than you do, because they are the ones doing the work every day. Get employee input before putting new safety precautions in place.
- Communicate clearly and often about safety. Instructions should be in writing and should be clear and concise. Instructions should include what to do and what not to do, and should be specific to every job type and task.
- Encourage openness from employees. If they encounter a safety concern during the workday, encourage them to bring it to your attention and offer suggestions for improvement. Always act on any concerns that employees bring to your attention, and communicate the resolution to the problem quickly.
- Spend time learning about each job in your workplace. Take time to document how different workers perform the same job and find places to improve safety. Check to see if employees are performing shortcuts that could compromise safety. Or, see if some employees have found ways to do a job better in a manner that improves safety.
- Keep all machines in good working order. Routine maintenance is the best way to keep machines running in a safe and efficient manner.
- Update safety guidelines at least once per year. Take what you learn each year and how things have changed and update your safety manuals and guidelines. Be sure every employee is informed of any new processes, procedures or required equipment.
You want to ensure that your employees are kept safe and happy on the job. In addition to keeping the workplace safe from accidents and injuries, continue to offer prevention and wellness programs. In addition, check the ergonomic conditions of every worker, make sure employees wear necessary protective equipment, and even consider creating and rehearsing a worksite disaster drill.
Last but not least, make sure your workers’ compensation insurance is up-to-date and is in compliance with all relevant state requirements. We can help you find workers’ compensation insurance as well as recommend and help you implement workplace safety programs that can help you minimize costly workers’ compensation claims. Contact us today to learn more about Louisiana workers’ compensation insurance.
Recent changes to health insurance laws and regulations have promised to make it easier on those who need to find their own, private plans. While many wait for those promises to come true, the process can still be extremely frustrating. There are some important factors to consider while choosing a private health insurance plan in […]
Hosting family or friends for Thanksgiving can be stressful. It’s important to take your time in preparing your home and delicious holiday traditions so you are sure to follow proper safety guidelines and reduce the risk of injury or illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, clostridium perfringens is the second most […]
No two businesses are exactly alike. Contractors include a wide variety of businesses across a wide spectrum of industries. That’s why a one-size-fits-all insurance policy may not be best for your company. Contractors can include construction firms, carpenters, plumbers, cleaners, electricians, landscapers, painters, handymen, snow plowing operations, land surveyors, computer consultants and many more. A […]
Many individuals and families receive benefits from their employers that include health insurance, and in some cases even some basic life insurance. But many others work for small employers that cannot afford to offer these valuable benefits, and are on their own when it comes to protecting their finances from the devastation that can arise […]
Unless you have a crystal ball, and in that case business is booming, the uncertainties of small business management can create a lot of stress. General liability insurance can help alleviate that fear of the unknown by protecting your company’s assets and revenues when the unforeseen occurs. As well trained and reliable as your employees […]
Surety bonds are just one of the many ways you can protect your business. McInnis Insurance Agency offers fast-turnaround surety bonds as well as other types of business insurance for Louisiana contractors. And because every situation and contractor is unique, we can find the solutions that are best suited to your business. Surety bonds in […]
Nearly all employers in Louisiana must carry some form of workers compensation insurance. As a business owner, this form of insurance not only protects your staff from wage losses and other damages resulting from an on-the-job injury or death, it also protects you and your commercial assets from litigation resulting from the incident. There are […]
Whether your business is in trucking, construction, transportation services or delivery, commercial vehicle insurance is an imperative tool that protects your equipment, drivers and future in the industry. A commercial vehicle is considered any truck or vehicle that is used by an individual in the course of their business dealings and/or in the course of […]
Nearly 15 million Americans work a permanent night shift or regularly rotate in and out of night shifts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That means a significant sector of the nation’s work force is exposed to the hazards of working nights, which include restlessness, sleepiness on the job, fatigue and decreased attention. This […]
According to Ready.gov, more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires each year in the United States. An estimated $7.3 billion in property losses each year are due to home fires. Many of these dollars come out of homeowners’ pockets, and insurance companies pick up a large share of the costs […]
Minden, LA
119 Pearl Street
Minden, LA, 71058
318-377-1145
Homer, LA
