Each workplace will have its own unique set of hazards, but health and safety is no less important in an office than on a building site. Carrying out risk assessments, writing a health and safety policy and providing relevant training to employees are all essential steps for any business, in order to minimise the chance of workplace injuries and to protect against legal action if a member of staff does have an accident.
It is also important that managers follow the same guidelines that they have set for their employees. If a manager doesn't follow the company health and safety policy, this is likely to influence the way other members of staff behave. On the contrary, setting a good example to the rest of the workforce will help to ensure that everyone observes the guidelines and procedures which have been put in place.
If a manager witnesses a health and safety breach, it is important that they don't simply turn a blind eye. Even if the incident seems trivial, managers should address any issues before a culture of disregard for health and safety is allowed to develop.
By the same token, managers should praise workers where they go out of their way to avoid hazards or contribute to making the workplace safer. This will improve morale and help to foster an atmosphere where people value the importance of health and safety procedures.
If a manager is observing workers, they should generally look to offer constructive feedback rather than seeking opportunities to criticise them for doing things wrong.
Whether you are directly responsible for health and safety within your organisation, or you simply occupy a senior position, you need to be aware of how your own actions influence the perception of workplace accident risks among employees.
If you want more information about the law regarding accidents at work, you can speak to an expert at Workplace Claim.