Autumn is an optimal time for organizing your training calendars and preparing for upcoming legislative changes. Fall is also when you start to help your workers transition from working outdoors to inside while planning your safety and wellness strategies. Read on for some areas you may want to consider this fall.
SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS
Slip, trip, and fall accidents are a common source of injury, and can happen in any workplace. Here are several tips to avoid these incidents:
- Keep grounds clear of leaves, which can be just as slippery as snow when wet.
Encourage everyone to wipe their shoes on a rug upon entering the building during inclement weather. - Add prevention strategies to pre-shift and toolbox talks before, during, and after the safety inspection blitz. This will encourage employees to work safely and alert their supervisor to any hazards they encounter.
- Download a free Slip, Trip, and Fall poster for your worker safety boards.
AIR QUALITY
As your employees transition from working in the fresh outdoor air, providing a comfortable, safe, and healthy indoor environment is an increasingly important concern for employers. Good indoor air quality can increase workers’ concentration and productivity. How safe is your indoor air quality?
Typical symptoms associated with poor indoor air quality include:
- Eye, nose, and throat
- irritation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
In some cases, poor air quality can lead to building-related illnesses including asthma. Some indoor air quality issues are easy to identify and resolve, while other cases require more in-depth analysis. Check out the free AirAssess App for ideas to help you and your workplace take action on these air quality issues.
Keep workers safe in the parking lot this fall by maintaining good lighting, designated walkways, plenty of trash bins, and a company-wide traffic safety program
PARKING LOT SAFETY
Many workers begin and end their workday in parking lots, but they may overlook the potential dangers of the area. If a worker has a recordable injury during work hours in the company parking area – whether driving, exiting or entering a vehicle, or walking – the incident can be considered work-related.
Here are a few tips to help keep your parking lot safe:
- Lighting: Outside lighting should be up high, powerful, and maintained. One dim area can cause an incident for workers on early and late shifts.
- Designated Pedestrian Walkways: Minimize interaction between workers and vehicles with ramps, walkways, and barriers.
- Trash: Trash attracts unwanted animals, while spilled beverages may cause someone to slip if they end up stepping in the liquid. Put several bins in your parking lot to reduce incidents of trash being thrown out of cars or drinks emptied onto the parking lot.
- Traffic Safety Program: Establish and promote company-wide safety practices to reduce incidents.
PROPER TRAINING CAN PREVENT ACCIDENTS
As managers, it’s not only important to ensure product and service standards meet quality control measures—investing in your employees via training at all levels is worthwhile as your business continues to measure its successes. As the school year gets underway, now is a great time to focus on education and training. Take some time now to review and plan your upcoming training schedule, make lists of who needs training and re-certification, and arrange for training.
The benefits of investing in ongoing training for your staff include:
- Boosting employee satisfaction
- Fostering a positive company culture
- Being prepared for the busy season
- Retaining skilled talent
The Ministry of Labour will be visiting worksites across Ontario this fall to conduct Occupational Health and Safety Inspections. Click here for more information on how to prepare. Inspection dates are October 1 to November 23, 2018, and the blitz focus this year will be health and safety in warehouses and “big box” retail.
For our complete list of wellness management tips, check out the PDF version of our Fall 2018 newsletter.
ABL is a staffing agency specializing in filling general labour temporary jobs, including packaging jobs and warehouse jobs. Contact us today to find the right staff for your needs!
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