There are three main categories of risk for business owners: people, environment, and company.  Business owners have the responsibility for each of these categories and should follow simple steps to ensure safety.

Keeping your employees and customers safe and healthy is as important as running the business itself.  Keep these tips in mind:

• Have options in place where injured employees or customers can receive immediate treatment.
• Constantly search for and eliminate workplace hazards.
• Offer early intervention and rehabilitation programs for drug and alcohol abuse and mental health problems.
• Make free flu shots available.

Heavy equipment, electrical hazards, even keyboards can pose health threats to employees.  For a safer workplace environment:

• Conduct routine maintenance and housekeeping measures.
• Frequently check for proper ergonomic conditions.
• Check all equipment for unsafe wear and tear.
• Educate workers on identifying hazards and risks.
• Make sure employees wear necessary protective equipment.
• Create and rehearse a worksite disaster plan.
• Control and eliminate toxic chemical use where you can.
• Make the workplace smoke-fee.

Safety starts with company leadership.  To establish company safety:

• Keep confidential and medical information protected
• Thoroughly analyze accidents for prevention
• Have a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence
• Offer access to cost-effective health care benefit programs
• Begin an employee assistance program

By: RJ Muto

Eastgate Insurance Inc.