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Workplace safety is critical for both workers and employers.

This is so for business reasons. Workers tend to be more productive, and rates of absenteeism much lower when they enjoy protection against injury and illness. There are also good legal reasons to find ways to drive down the accident rate: employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment, and when they fail to do so, they could be held accountable through the courts.

But exactly how can employers stop accidents from happening? There are a few key strategies to consider.

Provide Comprehensive Training for Employees

To begin with, all workers on a given site will need to be aware of the threats they face, and how best to mitigate them. In many cases, safety training might form part of a more general process of onboarding. When a new worker is shown how to use a machine effectively, they might also be taught how to use it safely.

Health and safety training should be regularly reviewed, and refined in accordance with the particular problems being faced.

Invest in Quality Safety Equipment

In many cases, protecting workers against harm means providing them with the right tools. This might mean protective equipment, like facemasks, goggles, and gloves. What the right equipment looks like will depend on the work being done. Factory workers who spend time with a welding torch in their hand will need to be given an appropriate facemask.

Of course, it isn’t enough that PPE is available. It will also need to be kept in good working order. For this reason, a schedule for maintenance and inspection is critical.

Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

A good health and safety policy will incorporate a regular risk assessment. This exercise will identify potential sources of risk and suggest ways in which these risks might be mitigated. The results of a risk assessment should be recorded. This will make it easier to determine whether the measures have been effective, and it will also shield the company from legal repercussions.

Have a Plan for Accidents and Legal Support

Personal injury claims are often pursued by no-win no-fee solicitors. In most cases, it’s better to have the legal expertise in place before legal action is taken. This will not only make it easier for the organisation to defend itself. It will also help to spot legal risks and deal with them.

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