Underestimating risk at the workplace
It often happens that we underestimate risk – it could involve not wearing proper safety equipment, helmet or rigid shoes on a construction site, because of our (mis)belief that the accident would not happen exactly this time. Going to work with symptoms while recklessly putting others to danger may be another common example. We actually tend to believe that our work is not able to be put on hold or non-transferable to others, but in reality working extra hours and pushing your limits too hard, whether it is at your own will or that of an employee, may more likely occur as inefficient and unsafe eventually.
Ensuring safety at the workplace
Rushing through the initial training is not wise, as well as assuming everyone is adequately qualified to operate without supervision – just because it is stated in their CV. Trust is to be earned through time, and until then it is better to not put your firm’s face at stake and to avoid any possible incidents. Ensuring safety at the workplace is not only a job of the top management, or just an additional cost bucket, but a shared responsibility and moral duty. There are no inevitable accidents – common tendency towards zero-injury and maximal safety should be a norm. Also, in a globalized world we must not forget the cultural and linguistic differences, therefore safety measures should be approachable and comprehensible by all.
Investing in health and safety systems
Reluctance towards change is another big issue, and integral to our human nature – but just because the system worked this way so far, it does not mean that it is not to be improved in order to guarantee the future results as well. Furniture and lighting at the workplace is being advanced yearly, and those features are to be updated to ensure the most secure and ergonomic physical environment for the workers – following both the ever-changing and more rigorous legislative requirements, as well as scientific research. Investment in health and safety systems, and their regular check-ups are an investment in the most valuable asset of your company – the people.