How to Create a Safe Workplace Environment for Employees?

Employers are legally responsible for ensuring the safety of their staff, employees and public against workplace hazards. When frequent movement of people is a routine activity, health and safety risks should be appropriately addressed.

This article will explore the core elements of a safe work environment for employees.

Importance of safe movement of employees

Employees are considered a valuable part of any kind of organization. Most employees will be indulged in moving on the wheels. If their safety is not taken seriously, they probably can be prone to adverse consequences. Employees who feel safer in their work activities can’t perform confidently.
This will lead to lowered productivity and reduced morale of employees. Only a safe workplace can be productive. If the workplace involves the movement of employees, there needs to be identifying various hazards using a risk assessment.

Potential hazards while moving around the workplace

Slips, Trips and Falls

These are the common cause of most accidents and incidents in the workplace and contribute to a third of all workplace accidents, 15% of accidental deaths and 29% of non-fatal injuries.

Falling from Height and Falling Objects

Objects falling from height onto people may put employees and the public into serious consequences. Employers should take proactive steps that mitigate the risk of injury from falling objects.

Striking Against Stationary Objects

Injuries that result from contact with objects and equipment remain the third leading cause of work-related death. Close monitoring is required in busy workplaces with lots of equipment, for example, construction sites.
Even in office environments, stationary objects such as desks, chairs, bins and other similar objects may create risks if required conditions are not fulfilled.

Legal requirements for safe movement of people in the workplace
  • Every room in the workstations should have sufficient space for the free and comfortable movement of employees
  • It is suggested to ensure at least 11 cubic metres of space for each worker in a workspace.
  • The legal requirement indicates to leave ‘sufficient unoccupied space,’ which means the place should not be filled with furniture or any other fixtures and fittings.
  • Other legal demands include ample lighting, cleanliness, and storage
How can employees build a safe workplace environment for employees?

Performing a comprehensive risk assessment should be on the priority list for all employees intended to create safer workplaces. They should ensure floors and routes are well-defined and stable for protection against slips, trips, and falls.

They should look for obstacles that may lead to an accident. Secure fencing will help prevent people from falling from heights. They should look at whether it is really required to working at height.

Employers should stay proactive in identifying and addressing potential risks in the workplace to ensure a safe environment for all employees.