What Is Your 2023 Safety Resolution?
What is a workplace safety plan?
What is an OSHA Safety Plan? An OSHA Safety Plan is a written plan that describes the potential hazards in the workplace, and the company policies, controls, and work practices used to minimize those hazards.
4 Workplace Safety Tips For 2023
Natural disasters, onsite job injuries, or active shooter threats can happen at any time; therefore, it’s important that companies implement workplace safety guidelines.
Organizations should develop a set of workplace safety policies that aid in reducing onsite injuries and prioritizing employee’s safety. These workplace safety policies should include an emergency response plan, safety training, and a communication strategy. They will also contribute to creating a safe working environment for all employees.
When companies show commitment to their employee’s safety, it results in a safer workplace and additional benefits. Workplace safety guidelines will boost employee productivity, and job satisfaction.
Here are some safety tips for 2023!
1. Update your workplace safety procedures.
Take the time to review and assess all safety guidelines from the past year. Conduct an audit of your safety plan with the help of our safety team. Our safety team can provide an in-depth assessment of how to improve our safety policies. Following that, updating policies to include any new elements, such as new equipment or a new office building that needs an evacuation plan. Once you have established your safety plan, share it with other co-workers. From the help of our safety team, we could help others understand how safety policies are applied in an emergency.
2. Create a safety culture.
It’s not enough to educate employees on workplace safety protocols; we must also establish a safety culture. A “safety culture” is a set of safety-related beliefs and values that employees and business executives uphold.
Businesses can foster this culture by promoting workplace safety through monthly newsletters (like this one) and hanging safety signs throughout the job location. Also, conducting workplace safety surveys to assess the effectiveness of safety training and by receiving feedback on our safety protocols could help our employees keep a safe work environment.
Employees will then feel encouraged to engage in safety culture by reporting unsafe conditions and helping new hires get acquainted with the latest safety protocols. Together, organizations and employees can build a safe workplace.
3. Conduct quarterly safety drills.
Once you have established a workplace safety plan, it’s essential to conduct safety drills. Quarterly safety drills will help employees commit the safety plan to muscle memory. These exercises may include lockdown drills, fire drills, and safety training on how to respond if an employee is hurt on the job.
Help enhance our workplace safety plan by incorporating an emergency management system into drills.
4. Prioritize your employee’s mental and physical health. 
Some employers may offer health and wellness programs to workers to reduce on-the-job injuries. Slips, falls, overexertion, and muscular disorders account for a large number of workplace injuries. According to the Spine Health Center, “70% of the poll respondents said that their backs felt significantly worse after sitting in their office chair all day.”
Therefore, companies must encourage employees to take short breaks during the day to exercise, such as going for walks, taking yoga classes, or visiting a health center. These health programs will help reduce injuries and increase job productivity.
In addition to work-related injuries, many employees suffer from mental health problems due to long work hours and heavy workloads. Therefore, businesses could focus on providing mental health resources such as counseling services, meditation classes, and mental health hotlines to help reduce stress. Companies that have invested in mental health resources have seen a significant decrease in mental health cases in the workplace. According to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, “53% of organizations that offered wellness programs saw improved employee engagement and satisfaction, a clear indicator of reduced stress.” Investing in the well-being of your employees will lead to job satisfaction and, ultimately, company growth.
Did you know that we offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
What is the Employee Assistance Program?
The Employee Assistance Program is provided by ComPsych® Guidance Resources and offers counseling, legal and financial consultation, work-life assistance and crisis intervention services to all our employees and their household family members.
Why provide an EAP?
Because we care about our employees and their dependents. The EAP can be used free of charge as needed when you or your dependents are facing emotional, financial, legal or other concerns.
Are the services confidential?
Yes, the EAP is strictly confidential. No information about your participation in the program is provided to your employer.
Why might my family or I use the services?
There are many reasons to use these services. You may wish to contact the EAP if you:
• Are feeling overwhelmed by the demands of balancing work and family
• Are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression
• Are dealing with grief and loss
• Need assistance with child or elder care concerns
• Have legal or financial questions
• Have concerns about substance abuse for yourself or a dependent
What happens when I call?
When you call, you will speak with a Guidance Consultant, a master’s- or PhD-level counselor who will collect some general information about you and will talk with you about your needs. The Guidance Consultant will provide the name of a counselor who can assist you. You can then set up an appointment to speak with the counselor over the phone or schedule a face-to-face visit.
What counseling services does the EAP provide?
The EAP provides free short-term counseling with counselors in your area who can help you with your emotional concerns. If the counselor determines that your issues can be resolved with short-term counseling, you will receive counseling through the EAP. However, if it is determined that the problem cannot be resolved in short-term counseling in the EAP and you will need longer-term treatment, you will be referred to a specialist early on and your insurance coverage will be activated.
Can my children use the EAP?
Yes. The EAP is a confidential benefit for employees and their household family members.
Call ComPsych Guidance Resources anytime for confidential assistance at 1-888-628-4809 or online at www.guidanceresources.com and use our company Web ID: Gallagher