Business operations, regardless of size, always come with risks. If you compare workplaces equipped with heavy machinery to those with basic computer-desk-chair setup, the former is more susceptible to danger. But if you look beyond the front line, you’ll be surprised to know the number of risks also present in an office setting.
Workers sitting on a chair all day, staring at their desktop computers, completing tasks in a seemingly controlled environment, are exposed to danger too. Banks or private entities that handle monetary transactions and exchanges daily are prone to theft and other criminal activities.
But exposure to harm can be reduced significantly when employers are proactive in doing regular inventories of security-risk zones. Going the extra mile by encouraging your team to share their thoughts and collaborating with them on safety matters can effectively eliminate the guesswork for you.
But there are more ways than one to improve your building’s safety and security levels. Here are a few suggestions for you that work well with other companies. Read up and see if they fit in your current office environment.
Asking the Right Questions Can Go a Long Way
Chances are, your staff probably knows the ins and outs of the office better than you do. They are the best people to turn to for useful advice on safety. Talk to them about their concerns over the working conditions and other factors that are causing them discomfort while in the office.
Engaging your team in identifying problematic areas will help you come up with immediate solutions and avoid accumulating unexpected expenses later on. Warning signs from employees should be acknowledged and acted upon promptly before they get worse and you end up paying more for security measures.
Brighten Up Corridors and Stairways
Blind corners can cause people to collide when making turns in halls. It’s crucial to appropriate clear paths and lines of vision along the hallways by installing sufficient lighting systems. Convex mirrors work too at intersecting corridors.
Stairways should be well-lit, and, if possible, carpeted as well, to avoid any missteps or accidents. Providing skid-resistant stairs can soften untoward falls. Also, they can minimize slipping and serve as an add-on grip, especially when your team comes into the office with wet shoes from rainy or snowy weather conditions.
Adjustable Workstations and Drawers
Items in workstations should be adaptable enough to cater to the different needs of a wide range of staff. One of the most recurring hurts from employees who spend most of their working hours on a desk is posture-related. Back and joint strains are common.
As a concerned employer, these are ergonomic pains that may accumulate over time and cause health problems later on. Though they may not seem like an urgent matter now, they will eventually become one when the time comes, and it may be too late for you to address it.
Find solutions for hazardous conditions caused by ergonomic restraints as quickly as possible. Chairs, desks, monitors, and other day-to-day tools should be adjustable for any body type to avoid muscle imbalances. The price to pay for health claims stemming from problematic and limiting workstations is much higher compared to investing in quality office equipment at the onset.
Proper storage and drawers are reasonably priced these days. Choose cabinets that can be secured on the floor and do not pose a tripping hazard. It’s also good to have a dependable lockpicking device should emergency situations arise, especially when you keep sensitive materials for clients.
Align Preemployment Protocols with Day-to-Day Business Operations
You can never go wrong with getting to know people before making the decision to work with them. The line between invasiveness and propriety gets blurry at times when it comes to preemployment requirements, such as drug tests.
But as the person responsible for the welfare of the people who are already working with you, it’s incumbent on you to be open-eyed in your hiring procedures. If you run a business that deals with sensitive information or high-security data, then you know that your recruitment and hiring procedures should be aligned with it.
You need to be more comprehensive in your initial and prescreening tests. Your human resources department should be clear on the types of tests that your candidates go through and establish them as standard protocol before employment.
If your procedures put off applicants and they opt not to go through them, then that’s a risk you should be willing to take on behalf of your tenured staff. You may end up losing really good eggs, but your reliable and tested employees are more valuable to your business than the noncooperative and reluctant possible hires.
Safety Is King
Providing a safe and secure surrounding for your staff and for your customers to transact business in should be a top and constant priority. Office hazards should be identified from day 1 and reassessed on a regular basis as the business grows.
Conducting random and scheduled checks inside and outside your workplace’s premises are standard practices. These will help you put in place a doable plan to minimize risks and maximize security.
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