2.8 million incidents annually. That is how many non-fatal work-related accidents were reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2017.
Even if you have never had an injury in your workplace, there is never a guarantee with the unexpected.
What you can control, though, is the kind of safety advantage you provide your staff and business. Support your staff and your bottom line by investing in plotter blade training and reminding the whole team that safety pays.
Importance of Safety in the Workplace
As a business owner in the United States, you are responsible for creating a safe working environment for your employees. The guidelines for workplace safety are enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
OSHA works to protect business owners and their employees from injury and fatalities. They have reported that there is been a noticeable decline in worker deaths over the years: from 38 work-related fatalities every day in 1970 to just 14 per day in 2017.
All worked are protected by OSHA with the right to work in a safe workplace in some of the following areas:
- Working with safe machines
- Use best practices when handling sharp instruments
- Knowing how to safely handle chemicals
- Receive protective gear if necessary
If an employee does not feel safe or supported, he or she can contact OSHA to request an inspection. If you receive a citation or OSHA uncovers violations, you could face penalty costs. In extreme cases, OSHA might even shut a business down altogether.
How Safety Benefits Employers and Employees
OSHA safety pays in several ways for the employers. Making time to properly train your staff can reduce the chance of serious injuries, fees related to covering injury or illness, and prevent damage to equipment.
In turn, you will be able to stay on schedule without losing productivity. You are also providing a secure environment for your employees. That means a great incentive to stay for your staff and less turnover and new hiring to deal with.
Your employees will feel more confident, competent, and avoid the devastating effects a serious work injury can have—such as the inability to work and steep medical costs.
Workplace Safety Awareness Tips
You can emphasize the importance of safety at your business in many different ways.
Start from day one with a formal safety training program. Make sure your staff has access to a handbook with information about operating equipment, procedures, and any safety equipment they should wear.
If you work with hazardous materials, ensure that your employees know how to safely handle them according to OSHA requirements.
To safeguard everyone at the job, you could also implement drug and alcohol testing to make sure no one is impaired while working with machines or equipment.
If someone does experience a work-related injury, you could help by providing counseling services to support them through the impact of that incident.
Safety Pays for Your Business
Safety pays for your small business in big ways.
Making safety a part of daily operations has a positive impact on your budget, productivity, and workplace environment.
When you are ready, shop plotter blades and send us any questions about product recommendations or availability.
Simple Solutions International offers a full selection of plotter blades and plotter pens as well as a variety of useful tools for use in plotting and sign making such as plotter adapters, masking film, spray mask, and other sign making tools and accessories.