This blog article is part 2 of a 3 part series of Proactive and Reactive Safety Measure in the Workplace.
View Part 3: A Comprehensive Look into Reactive Safety.
Our ‘Proactive and Reactive Safety Measures in the Workplace’ blog post was published to differentiate between proactive and reactive safety measures. We want to take this opportunity to further break down what each of these safety methods means. In this blog article, we dive into a comprehensive look into proactive safety measures.
What Does it Mean to be Proactive in Safety?
The prefix “pro” quite literally means “before.” If an individual is proactive, it means that they make things happen instead of wait for things to happen to them. Thus, being proactive means being ready if something happens: the opposite of being reactive. When we think about safety, being proactive entails the use of safety solutions that are designed to prevent an accident before it happens.
Risk Identification
Proactive safety requires all employees to have experience in risk identification. Different jobs within different industries involve unique spectrums of risk. What is important is that workers are knowledgeable and efficient at identifying and mitigating safety hazards on the job. Hazard identification is useful in assessing how likely a particular situation is to cause harm. Assessments should be carried out regularly, particularly during the performance of new processes or tasks that differ from everyday activities.
Communication About Safety
Talking about safety is essential. It is the best way to discuss what is working, what isn’t working, and how to make improvements regarding workplace health and safety. Companies should always consider their workers’ opinions on safety implications related to their field of work because the workers are the ones experiencing the risks firsthand. The discussion surrounding safety issues, methods, and procedures can easily be worked into any workplace meeting. Furthermore, employees should always feel confident inquiring about safety.
Comprehensive Safety Education and Training
Safety procedures are only useful if workers are complying with them. Employees should be subject to thorough safety training and education. Moreover, recognition programs can be put in place to acknowledge those employees who are doing an exceptional job when it comes to maintaining the safety of their workplace environments. Abiding by a proactive safety regime requires employees to know the dangers associated with their work, as well as how to mitigate them.
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Implement a Worker Monitoring Safety Solution
Industries that employ lone workers should have a form of lone worker monitoring system in place to ensure the safety of their employees who are required to work alone. Monitoring systems are an effective way of ensuring the safety of all workers, regardless of their job or location. A lone worker monitoring solution is a form of proactive monitoring that allows workers to check-in regularly throughout their shift. Smart sensors and motion technologies also help detect emergencies, even if the worker is disabled. Cloud-based lone worker monitoring solutions are an essential component of a proactive safety culture; these systems are designed to prevent accidents before they happen and to mitigate risks for lone workers.
The Advantages of a Proactive Safety Culture
Being proactive allows an organization to be more prepared for whatever happens. It entails having a backup plan, which often saves time and money. Although more expensive in the short term, investing in safety is like putting the work in now to save resources in the future if unexpected problems occur. Furthermore, proactive measures often eliminate issues before they occur, which avoids headaches and chaos associated with a workplace accident altogether. Lastly, implementing proactive safety measures promotes a long-term focus. Proactive businesses are forward-thinking and consider the big picture.
View Part 3: A Comprehensive Look into Reactive Safety.
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