5 Tips To Manage Employee Risk

Risk assessment is essential for companies looking to ensure employee safety and the security of their business. This is particularly vital in workplaces where heavy machinery is used and the likelihood of injury is generaly higher. Assessing the risk to your employees and physical workspace will ensure that your organisation puts the appropriate measures in place to comply with industry regulations. With that said here are five tips to manage employee risk.

1. Identify hazards and evaluate the precautions

Although hazards vary from industry to industry, they can cause physical harm and illness to employees. It would help if you review all workplace information, such as incident reports and production designs. You can manage employee risk by identifying and deciding on precautions for common hazards in the workplace, such as excessive sound levels, falls from heights, and slip trips due to unsuitable floor surfaces. Determine a hazard's risk level by evaluating its likelihood and severity, which could be a major or moderate estimate of how serious a potential they can be.

2. Start with the bottom line

It is important to build your risk assessment plan around your company's financials, starting from the bottom line. Watch for any actions that can create financial losses, such as theft, fraud, funds misappropriation, and bad investment decisions. This can help you develop policies and procedures to reduce the scale of losses. Formal internal risk control measures are crucial, so make sure you create standardised document procedures for authorizing transactions, securing business assets, and preventing fraud.

3. Get ISO Certification

The International Standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Certification ISO 45001 is important for protecting and enhancing the safety and overall health of workers. Implementing it in your organization will boost productivity while managing employee risk. An occupational health and safety management system is crucial for smooth business operations since many senior managers are held responsible for health and safety issues in their organization. ISO 45001 standards suit organizations of all sizes in any industry. Meeting these legal requirements can save you money in the long run.

4. Implement administrative controls

Businesses should ensure administrative controls are adhered to and that workers use the required personal protective equipment. Employers have the responsibility of providing the proper workplace equipment to safeguard employee well-being. They also have to invest in training programs to ensure employees know how to use the right equipment for the right job. As a business owner or manager, try to review the risk assessment and all relevant material safety data sheets. Post them in the workplace and consider sharing them with employees so that everyone knows the dos and don'ts of administrative controls.

5. Maintain a hygienic and organised workplace

Another tried and tested tip to manage employee risk is to maintain a clean and organised workplace. A hygienic work environment helps prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries. Organise your work areas by removing clutter and properly setting up equipment and machinery. Consider encouraging employees to embrace a culture of cleanliness and promote a sense of responsibility. 

Prioritising workplace safety is critical for success and the well-being of your team. So feel free to assess and manage your own employee risk using the tips mentioned above.

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