8 Tips for Creating a Safe, Productive Workplace

A local insurance expert shows how simple actions like regular training and safety inspections can save your company money.

In Hawai‘i, employers who have at least one employee are generally required to maintain workers’ compensation coverage, regardless of whether the workers are permanent, temporary, part-time or full-time.

Workers’ compensation claims can be filed for a variety of injuries and illnesses that occur at work – from cuts and strains to repetitive-use injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome to skin disorders due to chemical exposures.

Workers’ compensation benefits can include compensation for lost wages and medical expenses. In the worst cases, workers’ compensation can pay permanent disability or death benefits.

The National Safety Council says the top three occupational injuries involving days away from work are 1) exposure to harmful substances or environments (36% of such cases), 2) overexertion and bodily reaction (22%), and 3) falls, slips and trips (18%).

Keeping workers safe helps companies avoid expensive workers’ compensation claims and higher insurance rates. It can also boost morale, improve worker retention and increase productivity.

Here are eight tips to cultivate a safe environment:

• Build and maintain management support. This can take many forms: Managers need to be alert to potentially unsafe actions at work and should take active roles in safety training. And they should ensure adequate staffing to meet production and service goals, and invest in measures and resources to prevent injuries, such as providing personal protective equipment and training programs and repairing faulty equipment.
• Model and encourage safe behavior. Unsafe habits can develop if workers are pressured to cut corners to meet deadlines or if they see their supervisors acting unsafely.
• Train your workers to do their jobs safely. Training and education are especially important for new workers, but everyone benefits from refreshers and reminders. Provide updated training when new processes are implemented or changes in safety requirements take place.
• Conduct safety inspections. Regular inspections give you the chance to mitigate workplace hazards before they lead to injuries.
• Train with personal protective equipment. It’s not enough to have PPE on-hand – workers have to be familiar with the equipment and know how and when to use it.
• Promote safe driving. Make sure your requirements don’t pressure employees to drive unsafely. Keep your vehicles in good condition (that will usually save you money too). If you operate a fleet, telematics programs that use GPS to track drivers can encourage them to act safely behind the wheel. Most importantly, ensure your drivers are qualified to operate your company vehicles.
• Know your industry’s regulatory requirements. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may fall under Hawai‘i or federal occupational safety and health standards. Following these standards can help you avoid both injuries and fines.
• Proactively manage workers’ compensation claims. If a claim is reported, encourage prompt treatment using telehealth if possible. Offer injured workers modified duties if needed until they recover and stay in touch with proactive communication. Staying on top of these cases can ensure workers aren’t away from their jobs longer than necessary.

It’s also important to partner with an insurer that can help you navigate safety concerns in your industry. Consult with your independent agent for guidance.