Workplace safety culture is vital if small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are to minimise risks, safeguard their employees, and cultivate a more productive workplace. There are many routes towards promoting workplace safety.
This blog looks at actionable steps featuring what businesses can do to improve workplace safety culture and wellbeing that can be taken by SMEs; it looks at how to promote workplace safety in SMEs.
How to promote workplace safety
Lead by example and engage with your team
Leaders of SMEs can place safety at the forefront of organisational culture and embody it through their actions. If a team sees managers actively endorsing workplace safety culture, they are likely to follow suit. Workplace safety can also be prioritised through clear objectives, policies and procedures. By engaging with your team in safety initiatives, planning and risk assessments they can take ownership of their safety.
Continuous monitoring and improvement
Regular safety inspections should be conducted in the organisation to identify hazards in the workplace. Any accidents or near-misses in the workplace recorded and analysed can prove helpful in preventing repetition of incidents occurring.
What businesses can do to improve workplace safety and wellbeing
Provide the right tools and resources
In adopting a positive workplace culture in any organisation, employees should be provided with the right tools and resources. As well as informing decisions about first aid training provision, the findings from your first aid needs assessment can be used to determine what you should include in your first aid kits and any other equipment you may require. For example, if your employees work with chemicals you would need to include items to treat splashes on both skin and eyes. If you have employees with a history of heart problems, you could choose to install one or more Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The first aid needs assessment can also be used to identify if any existing first aiders need to refresh their skills or if any new team members require first aid training. Our 2-day First aid at work requalification course allows you to review all the subjects covered in the initial 3-day First aid at work course. If your organisation operates in a low-risk environment, the 1-day Emergency first aid at work course is perfect for individuals who need to become certified first aiders.
Appropriate workplace first aid training can save lives, providing employees with the skills and confidence to help with a first aid emergency at work.
Encourage positive mental wellbeing
By taking a positive approach to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, your organisation can benefit from:
- more engaged and motivated staff
- reduction in absence and associated costs
- increased productivity and staff retention
- improved professional reputation
- satisfied customers.
Your team will benefit from:
- developing awareness of how to support themselves and others when faced with difficult situations using a practical framework
- managing stress and developing awareness of stress
- optimising wellbeing at work and in their personal life
- developing greater confidence when dealing with difficult situations.
Be proactive about safety
It’s a regulatory requirement for employers to conduct a first aid needs assessment but the main motivation for doing one should always be workplace safety. By completing a first aid needs assessment, you can better understand the specific requirements of your workplace and ensure that you have the necessary resources and training in place to provide effective first aid when it is needed most.
By incorporating these strategies into your organisation, as an SME you can build a strong workplace safety culture that reduces risks, enhances employee wellbeing and promotes a more productive and positive work environment.
At Red Cross Training, we provide a variety of first aid supplies to ensure you meet HSE guidelines based on your first aid needs assessment. If you require more information around implementing appropriate workplace safety measures, our blog provides more information keeping employees safe, reducing risks and fostering a productive and legally compliant work environment