Workplace Safety Resolutions

Jan 2, 2019 | Safety

Each new year brings about resolutions that range from easily attainable those that are impossible.  Most resolutions seem to center around personal well-being and health.  Why not help your employees with those things and make a safety resolution?  After all, health and safety in the workplace should come first.

Here are some tips to help identify the perfect resolution for your team.

Look Back

Considering the past can give you clues about what to consider for the future. Look at the past year and review accidents that occurred. What measures could have been taken to prevent them?  Even consider the near misses.  Look at your safety training program.  Did it accomplish your objectives?  This information is invaluable as you set goals in the new year.

Ask Questions

Talk to your supervisors and employees. Ask if they have any safety concerns or notice any areas that could use improvement. Feedback from the people in the trenches can provide insight into areas that you otherwise might not consider.

Inspect Personal Protective Equipment 

Deterioration to safety gear and equipment can cause them to become ineffective. Take a close look at company-owned equipment and encourage employees to examine their personal items such as work boots.  The steel toe in a boot may still be effective, but if the sole tread is worn, traction on slippery surfaces is compromised.

Review Policies and Procedures

Take the time to go over your policies and procedures. Use the information gained from looking back and speaking with employees to determine if any updates would increase safety at the worksite.

Now that you’ve got some ideas, remember to be S.M.A.R.T. when forming your resolution; Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.

If your goal is to address a safety need in your organization, it is relevant, but make sure to be specific and set an attainable goal.  A resolution is to reduce workplace injuries is very subjective.  A resolution to reduce eye injuries by 45% in the upcoming year is a more tangible goal. It is also measurable because it is quantifiable and timely because it establishes a time-frame of one year.

So, now that you’ve set your safety resolutions it’s time to involve everyone.  Start the new year with safety on everyone’s mind by holding a refresher meeting.  Review policies and procedures, introduce any changes and share your resolutions with everyone.

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