How to Create a Safe Work Environment for Your Employees

Workplace safety encompasses many facets of your employees’ well-being–from preventing workplace injuries to having emergency plans in place and comprehensive cleaning programs to reduce the spread of contaminants or illnesses (just to name a few).

Workplace injuries cost businesses billions of dollars in worker’s compensation every year. However, most on-the-job injuries are easily preventable by instating a multi-pronged approach to safety in the workplace.

Implementing and practicing a comprehensive safety program is your responsibility as a business owner. Read on to learn how to keep your employees safe in the workplace.

Your employees have rights when it comes to their safety. Some of these rights include using work-supplied PPE and training, raising concerns about safety hazards to higher-ups, refusing to perform tasks that are considered unsafe, and many more. Check out NIOSH’s list of employee safety rights. 

As an employer, it’s your responsibility to keep your employees safe and informed. This includes keeping your work environment free from hazards that can cause death, illness, or injury, openly displaying the OSHA poster (order your FREE one here!), training employees how to avoid on-the-job hazards, and many more. Refer to NIOSH’s list for all the ways employers are expected to keep employees safe at work.

OSHA sets forth and enforces standards to help ensure employees work in a healthful environment. As an employer, you must comply with OSHA regulations and the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act of 1970, which stipulates business owners must keep their work environment clear of serious health hazards. Review the OSHA standards based on your industry to ensure you’re in compliance.

The CDC recommends tracking the Community Level of COVID-19 transmissions to determine your employees’ risk. Take the necessary precautions based on the data found on the COVID-19 Data Tracker and refer to OSHA's guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Now that you know the areas of safety that concern you as a business owner or facility manager, it’s time to stock up on safety supplies. Shop Zoro for all the safety supplies you need to keep your employees safe, including facility and worksite safety products, personal protective equipment, and signs and labels.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.