Running a small business can be an exciting venture as profits begin to grow and new employees are added to the payroll. However, one thing that many small business owners often overlook is that with growth come additional risks. Safety procedures for a handful of employees can be totally different than when there are twenty or thirty people milling about at their duties. From the front end where visitors and clients are received to shipping and receiving in the back end, there are safety procedures which should be in place in order to prevent an unfortunate accident.
OSHA Small Business Handbook a Must
Provided by the United States Department of Labor, the Small Business Handbook distributed by OSHA is a must for every small business. In this booklet the Occupational Safety & Health Administration give precise instructions in regards to safety on the job. From ensuring that everything from dock lifts which need to have sides and/or railings to non-skid floor mats in areas where floors get wet or greasy, everything you need to know is detailed in the book.
Visible Safety Checklists
You should always have a safety checklist visibly posted in every department within your company. This is especially important in production and of course in your loading dock area. These are where most injuries occur when proper care isn’t given to safety. Workers should know how they are expected to work safely and should also know where to find protocol to follow in the event of an emergency. Your safety checklist will provide a quick tick list of items that need to be inspected regularly but will also provide information on who to contact in the event of an emergency.
Your Responsibility to Keep Equipment in Good Repair
Now that you’ve gone to all the trouble to make up a safety checklist and post it, you need to be aware of the fact that the ultimate responsibility is yours. It is up to you to see that all machinery and equipment is in good repair and that you have the necessary safety accessories on hand. If you find that your dock lift, for example, is not working appropriately or has lost stability, it’s time to consider ordering one that can ensure the safety of your dock workers. To get an idea of the various dock lifts that conform to safety and the loads they can handle, visit www.copperloy.com. You just might find that the dock lifts you are using aren’t rated for the loads you are lifting.
It is also good to keep in mind that your insurance company may not issue the required policies if you haven’t devised safety checklists and posted them where they are in plain sight of your workers. Properly instituted safety measures may even reduce your premiums to some extent so it is in your best interest to take time and care with them. Not only can you prevent one of your valued employees from getting injured on the job, you can also be assured that your workers will respond appropriately in the event of an emergency. Acting quickly can save a life so make sure your workers know the rules.
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