Accidents happen. But as any small business owner can tell you, accidents are also expensive. Eliminating excess workers’ comp is not always possible, but there are easy ways to avoid shelling out for avoidable incidents.
Take Stock of Potential Dangers
Every business should have at least one person regularly assessing any potential risk factors at your facility. Depending on the size of the business, this may call for a dedicated team or even outside consultants. This team should develop a plan of safety procedures, ways to report incidents, and regularly assess the plan’s adherence to OSHA requirements. Consult your insurance company as well. They’re knowledgeable about preventing workplace hazards and can offer advice.
Make Safety a Priority
Keeping a workplace safe should be a team effort between management and employees. Workplace safety programs developed in this manner reduce injuries and improve employee morale and retention.
Train Your Employees
Spend significant time training employees and management alike on best practices in workplace safety. Develop a thorough training program that involves refresher courses to remind even the more senior employees how to avoid unsafe behaviors. Listen to employee concerns and take their input seriously.
Accidents will happen from time to time. Taking specific precautions can minimize injuries, reducing the excess workers’ comp you have to pay.