How to Create a Safer Workplace

June is National Safety Month, and at Canteen, we pride ourselves on promising a safe workplace for our teams across America. The past year has set a whole new standard in safety. And we can all do our best to carry that into the future. And as important as safety is to us, we believe your workspace should be safe too. While we definitely like talking about snacks, we care about our partners and want to help you build the best all-around workspace you can. So, we put together five simple tips to make a safer environment for your associates.

Why safety matters

First, why is safety important to a productive workspace? We can answer that with a million different reasons, but we know you don’t have time for that, so let’s sum it up. There are enormous costs related to accidents at work. From all of the costs directly associated with injuries to damaged equipment and loss of productivity, dangerous work environments aren’t cheap. In fact, money spent on a safety program can save four to six times as much in accident prevention. But what it really boils down to is caring for your associates and promising a healthy and safe job. Worker morale repays in folds in increased productivity, employee retention, better relationships, and a comfortable environment.

So how can YOU build a safer workplace?

Train employees well

Proper training is where it all begins. From how to use equipment to best practices for avoiding strain and burnout, knowledgeable employees form a vital basis for a safe workplace.

Reward employees for safe behavior

Simple rewards for safe actions will promote a healthy environment for the workspace and encourage more caution when performing riskier tasks in the future. Reward small behaviors or set milestones for the team to reach together. Either way, easy gestures go a long way in creating a safer workspace. Side note: we suggest snacks.

Use labels and signs

Clearly mark everything that needs to be labeled. All equipment, locations, warnings, and anything else you can think of should be labeled. You should, of course, consult with a safety expert to cover the bases. You can also use fun signs and posters in community spaces (ehem breakroom) to reinforce your safety program.

Keep things clean

Dirt, dust, and grime can make surfaces more dangerous than if they were clean. But let’s also consider keeping things clean for the sake of sanitation. I think 2020 taught us all that it’s okay to be a little bit of a germophobe. When it comes to the breakroom, we’ve got you covered.

Keep an open dialogue.

Communication can answer most of the workplace’s difficulties, and it’s no different with safety. Talk to your associates and keep an open dialogue to take feedback and reports. It’s not enough to start a program and leave it, hoping for the best. You have to consistently adjust for your workspace, and the best way to do that is with your associates involved.

There’s always more to learn when building a safe environment for your associates. Still, hopefully, we’re helping you be just a little bit safer. As for the safest breakroom experience, we have plenty of solutions and a trained team to deliver. So get started with us today.