As the saying goes, safety always comes first. In any industry, every management team knows the importance of safety in every workplace and should, therefore, instill a safe working environment to mitigate potential hazards or risks that might affect any employee working in the team. You have to take note that safety training is not limited to jobs that are life-threatening but even to those working in the office. Here are some importance of safety training in every industry:
- To keep your employees from injuries
A safely course is necessary to avoid any accidents and other harmful situations that might happen in the workplace. Every training session should be both preventive and curative at the same time. However, it’s more important that all employees practice a precautionary approach since it’s usually less hassle and even cost saving at the same time.
This also includes the proper knowledge on how to use equipment and tools properly and is more applicable to construction, engineering, factory, and laboratory industries. Safety training also involves proper techniques and use of tools and equipment. Some accidents that happen in the workplace involve misuse of office equipment because of negligence or lack of knowledge of the user.
Providing your employees with safety training such as safely compliance workshops, general safety workshops, and personal protective equipment training will promote a safer working environment but will also protect the well-being the most valuable asset of your industry which is the workforce. Specialized training on how to use particular equipment for employees that handle tools in the workplace will prevent accidents due to equipment misuse. Your training should also help employees to understand what PPE they need to wear to do their job. Workersshop.com.au is a good resource for information on the options available.
- To provide an immediate response in case of emergency
Accidents happen in the workplace even in an office. It’s always best if someone is certified and knowledgeable in first aid training. Especially if you’re a startup business or a small institution that doesn’t have an in house clinic and doctor in the workplace, it’s a good investment if you let some of your employees attend a first aid training course and get them certified. Moreover, it’s cheaper compared to hiring in house health professionals since employees won’t need medical attention.
Safety training, especially first aid training will be helpful for every industry to provide the first line of response if there’s accidents or emergencies. Not only that, but this can also include fire protection training and other preventive measures in case of natural calamities such as fire and earthquake.
- It promotes a better working environment and improves the well being of your employees
Safety training also provides your employees knowledge on how to take care of their bodies better and promote better health as well. In general safety workshops, getting proper hygiene and getting fit too is important. It encourages employees to invest in their health so that they’ll remain productive and efficient in the workplace.
- It reduces employees’ stress levels
Safety training also provides knowledge on how employees can effectively handle stress in the workplace. The working environment alone can be a toll to an employee’s overall health and if not managed well, can lead to anxiety and health complications. Some training courses tackle stress management practices that employees can use in the workplace.
- It makes your employees more competitive
Certifications and attendance to training courses are added credentials to your employees. These can strengthen their resumes, therefore, increasing their qualifications as employees. Training can make them more competitive compared to other employees with no experience in safety training thus making them better assets in any workplace. Moreover, this will also reflect on your company’s reputation because your employees are well trained and maintain a high standard of excellence in terms of safety in the workplace.
- It reduces financial costs of your company
As an employer, some of your company’s expenses will go through your employee’s health benefits and insurance. If you want to keep this type of cost down low for a long time, you need to invest in safety training workshops so that your employees will be mindful and practice safety and proper procedures on how to take care of themselves not just at work but all the time. If this is done effectively, you’ll notice that the health insurance expense of your company won’t be worth stressing out.
- It’s a requirement
Safety training is not only a benefit for your company, but it’s also a requirement for regulations. In the United States, if you’re a business owner, you’re required to have your employees undergo a safety training course by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You’re also required to protect your employees or never expose them to potential harm.
Safety training is to ensure that working men and women are safe and are provided the right health benefits. If you disobey these regulations, you could face penalties. You could be fined up to 70,000USD and no less than 5,000USD. OSHA which is a branch of the Department of Labor in the US also provides rights to the employees with regards to their safety at work. Here are their rights:
- The right to have OSHA inspect his/her workplace;
- The right to be informed and trained in safety precautions. The training should be conducted in a language that the employee can understand;
- The right to witness hazard and safety testing;
- The right to access medical records; and
- The right to review records of workplace injuries.
If you need help understanding these rights it’s a good idea to get in touch with them directly.
Final thoughts:
Safely training is vital in every workplace. It acts for both preventive and curative measures. However, the precautionary approach is way better. Availing safety training workshop will even cost your company less since you don’t have to outsource a nurse and will also keep health insurance costs at a minimum. If you think this is important for you and your workplace, don’t be afraid to reach out to different professionals that provide this service for your employees.
