Many business owners in New Jersey might not be aware that their workers are being put at risk because of a lack of safety guidelines. A fast-paced work environment and looming deadlines can even make some employers nonchalant about their workers’ safety. When workers sense this, it can lead to low morale, high turnover rates and low productivity.
To avoid these consequences, employers, site managers and safety coaches can take the following tips into consideration. Leadership is the first essential; employers must take the initiative when it comes to organizing a safety culture. Next, they can survey employees anonymously about several matters, such as their knowledge of safety guidelines, the sense they have of their own responsibilities and the expectations of others.
Employers can also encourage workers to speak up about any hazards they encounter in the workplace. For example, a pre-shift huddle may create a non-punitive forum for this. The huddles could be supplemented with informal, one-on-one discussions so that employers can show their respect to individual employees’ opinions and build trust. Finally, employees should be trained on a regular basis about risk identification and prevention. In all, these tips can help boost employer branding and create a positive image of the company.
One thing that should be kept in mind is that when workplace accidents occur, employees can be compensated without having to blame the employer or someone else for negligence. They can go through the workers’ compensation process and receive an amount that helps to cover lost wages, past medical expenses and perhaps even future expenses if the injuries are long-term. Filing with legal assistance can make the process easier as a lawyer can hire investigators and prepare an appeal in case the claim is denied.