Workplace accidents result in a significant loss of business, with an estimated cost of more than 20 billion to UK companies each year. Because of the damage they can cause, both to the overall productivity of the business and the potential fines, it makes sense for modern businesses to prioritise health and safety. Whenever a new hire joins, they’ll be instructed on the proper safety procedures and given training on how to use equipment safely.
Employee training is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risks of workplace accidents, but modern workplaces also make use of technology and other features to bring down the overall incidence rate and ensure employees can work safely. Here are some of the most useful.
Lights
Lights are used everywhere in the modern world, allowing us to illuminate dark spaces and see more clearly. They can also be used to instantly communicate a message that is simple and easy to understand. A good example of this is traffic lights, which let drivers know when they need to stop and when they need to slow down or go.
In the context of safety, lights are important for reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls. A poorly lit workplace is far more likely to see a higher rate of accidents as workers won’t be able to see correctly. However, it’s also possible for lights to be used to warn of hazards and improve safety procedures.
Beacons are lights that are designed to give a warning or provide information based on the colour and type of light. For example, a blue flashing beacon might signify that the machine is powering down or some other change is happening. On the other hand, a red light is clearly used to warn of danger and green light indicates that things are working correctly.
Signs
Much the same as lights, signs can be used to quickly and effectively communicate and important message when needed. Signs are hardly new technology, but they have changed a lot over the years to become clearer and easier to read. They’re designed in a way that is universal for anyone to understand. Even those who haven’t received training can understand the meaning of a sign that says hard hats must be worn, which means its effective for visitors too.
Modern signs may also use digital technology to display different messages depending on the types of hazards present at the time. This is a useful feature for workplaces that feature an ever-changing number of hazards, helping to remind employees of the correct safety procedures and preventing serious accidents from occurring.
Protective Clothing
In the workplace, a professional dress code helps to raise the standards and uniforms are useful in roles that deal directly with customers. However, clothing can also be used to provide additional protection against hazards. Gloves, hats and boots may protect from direct impacts, as well as exposure to the elements. The more hazardous a workplace, the more important protective clothing is.
Aside from protecting the wearer from cuts and impacts, protective clothing can also increase visibility. In a busy workplace, especially one that involves heavy machinery and vehicles, visibility is highly important. Reflective clothing helps to ensure the wearer is visible at all times, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
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Automated Warning Systems
Warning systems provide employees with a clear and obvious signal to evacuate the premises in case of an emergency. Fires, gas leaks and other hazards require immediate evacuation, and the sooner the alarm is raised, the lower the risk of injury or accidents occurring. Modern workplaces use fully automated warning systems, which can detect a hazard as soon as it appears to give more time for a safe evacuation.