Creating a culture of safety and providing a safe environment for your employees is possibly one of the most important aspects of running a business, especially when it comes to the building materials industry.
Safety in the workplace must be valued, practiced, and sought after by everyone in your organization, regardless of their roles or responsibilities. We know safety is important in this industry, but how do you actively create a safe workplace where your employees feel comfortable going to work?
Importance of Workplace Safety
Workplace safety is important for a variety of reasons, including employee retention, happiness, and productivity along with building your company’s reputation and brand. When it comes to safety in the LBM industry, there is no measure or communication too big—your top priority should be your people.
Employee Retention
Everyone appreciates a safe working environment and an employer who cares about them, their family, and their wellbeing. With this is mind, it should come as no surprise that employees who feel safe at work stay at their job longer.
Employee Productivity
Not only are employees happier and more trusting of a company with safety in mind, but they are also more productive. Aside from worrying about past or potential injuries, an employee who feels safe as work does not have to deal with anxiety or constantly watch for hazards.
Company Reputation
Of course, a workplace injury has an enormous impact on the injured employee, but you also must think about the impact on your company and its reputation. When other employees and the public hear about a workplace injury, they will lose faith in your company and the way you run it, causing you to attract less employees and business.
Company Finances
If your company has a workplace injury, your costs will increase due to employee down time, lost productivity, and increased insurance rates. You can also expect heavy fines and immediate interference from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). OSHA requires all U.S. businesses to follow the same safety guidelines—failure to comply will result in both financial and legal losses for your company.
Promote Safe Environment
Your employees should feel happy, confident, and safe when they come to work—as an employer, it’s your job to ensure your employees are well taken care of and that starts with safety. Here are a few ways to create a safe working environment at your company:
- Proper training. You know how the saying goes—safety first! Always start your employees with proper safety training for operating heavy machinery or vehicles.
- Equipment. Be sure to give them all the tools they need to be safe in their day-to-today tasks by purchasing the proper PPE and regularly checked equipment.
- First aid. In case of an accident, have first aid kits on site that are close, easy to access, and always stocked full.
- Safety signs. Safety signs should always be displayed around your warehouse, lumberyard, and above all machinery and equipment.
- Consistent communication. Be consistent with your communication—whether it is a daily or weekly meeting, remind your employees of best safety practices and their training.
When improving your safety practices and standards at your company, make sure to use your communication and all the resources at your disposal—do not neglect any of the above points and follow through.
Building a Culture of Safety at Premier Building Supply
In the building materials industry, safety is extremely important—that’s why Premier Building Supply strives to keep a culture of safety with consistent employee communication and a safe environment. We believe that our employees are our biggest asset, and we want to provide a workplace that they feel comfortable in, enjoy, and want to grow in. To learn more about our work culture and working at Premier, contact us and apply today.