Even in workplaces that deal in dangerous materials, there is no legitimate reason why employees should feel unsafe. People go to work to support themselves and their families, not to sacrifice their minds and bodies to a company. If you are an effective, diligent leader, you should know how to show your employees you value their safety.
Video Overview
Foster Honest Communication in the Workplace
Nothing gets done in a company without the cultivation of positive, clear communication. It is the bedrock of a healthy workplace and is the least an employer can do to protect their workers from danger.
Too often, employees fall victim to accidents that could have been avoided if they felt empowered to warn their bosses of potential problems beforehand. So many disruptions, injuries, and deaths can be eliminated if employers take the time to assure their employees that they are always willing to listen to their safety concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem.
Follow Best Practices for Handling Hazardous Waste
The consequences of mishandling toxic waste are far-reaching and deadly. Prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause cancer, organ damage, a weakened immune system, and the development of allergies or asthma.
To avoid these issues, responsible employers must correctly label their chemical waste, keep it stored safely, and train employees on how to lessen the risk of exposure. When a workplace follows the best practices for handling hazardous waste, they are investing in the long-term health and safety of their most important assets: their employees.
Create and Disseminate Emergency Response Plans
Employers who want to know how to show their employees they value their safety should absolutely devise an emergency response plan. A clear guide of what to do in case of a crisis, these guides outline:
- Maps, escape routes, and the locations of emergency exits
- Locations of emergency equipment, such as fire blankets and extinguishers
- First-aid instructions
- Emergency contact numbers
All employees should be trained on the purpose and content of these guides. Not only will it help ensure a level-headed approach in case there is a crisis, but it will also make employees feel safer knowing their employer has considered their safety.
