How To Reduce Accidents At Work

Every company big or small has to comply with general standards. These cover things like hazardous materials, ventilation, personal protective equipment, fire safety, safety exits, first aid and sanitation

Employers can reduce their insurance premiums and make the workplace a safer place to be by considering the following:

1. The quality of your health and safety risk management system. These should display a positive, proactive approach to managing health and safety. This could immediately affect premiums and also any efforts made can reduce future claims. The long term view will be to improve company performance in this area.

2. Prove that your company meets legislative safety management requirements. Primarily the Heath and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Any other legislation controlling your significant risks should also be reviewed

3. Have an effective policy including a clearly written statement of policy, details of the organisation and arrangements for health and safety. Outlining clear, relevant, health and safety objectives.

4. Organising your health and safety objectives including

- Employee consultation - Good Communication - Allocation of resources - Good controls in place

5. Effective planning based on risk assessments

6. Proactive inspections and accident investigations

7. Reviewing your health and safety systems and arrangements

8. Conducting job analyses leading to developing a training program to inform employees about the causes of work related injuries and how to identify possible scenarios.

9. Before a party or social event, send out an office-wide communications reminding employees not to drink in excess and not to drink and drive. Encourage them to act responsibly and control their own behaviour.