Safety equipment is fundamental in ensuring the well-being of employees across various industries. Essential safety gear typically includes head protection, vision and hearing protection, working at height safety, and full coverage uniforms. Each piece of equipment plays a critical role in preventing injuries and ensuring that workers can perform their duties safely and efficiently. While these standard safety measures are vital, there are other workplace risks that necessitate additional specialist equipment and protocols to further protect employees. Here are 3 additional ways to enhance safety and security measures for your team beyond PPE.
By Team Savant
Image: Konrad Koller
When it comes to PPE, we all might have heard of head protection, such as hard hats, which shield employees from head injuries caused by falling objects or accidental impacts. Vision protection, including safety glasses and face shields, safeguards the eyes from debris, chemicals, and other hazardous materials. Hearing protection, like earplugs and earmuffs, is crucial in noisy environments to prevent hearing loss and damage. When working at heights, safety harnesses and lanyards are indispensable in preventing falls, which are among the most common workplace accidents. Full coverage uniforms, often flame-resistant, protect workers from exposure to harmful substances, extreme temperatures, and potential abrasions. However, in today’s world, safety and security measures to protect the employees should be guaranteed far beyond these essentials at any workplace. So which additional measures could be implemented to guarantee employees’ protection and, first and foremost, safety?
CCTV
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems are invaluable in protecting employees and securing workplace environments. The presence of CCTV cameras acts as a powerful deterrent against violence and theft, particularly in retail and hospitality settings. Potential wrongdoers are less likely to commit crimes when they know they are being monitored.
Moreover, CCTV provides a sense of security for employees, especially those who work alone or during late hours. The ability to monitor and review footage ensures that employees are not left vulnerable and can receive immediate assistance if needed.
Smart Lockers
Locker rooms are a necessity in many workplaces, providing a secure place for employees to store personal belongings. Traditional lockers, however, often come with limitations such as breakable locks and accessibility issues. Retrofitting smart technology into lockers can significantly enhance their safety and usability.
Smart lockers, which can be managed through cloud-based systems, offer a secure and convenient solution. Assigning lockers digitally ensures that access is restricted to authorised users. Digital locks replace traditional breakable ones.
Moreover, smart lockers can be designed to be more accessible for employees with disabilities, ensuring they do not have to rely on others and maintain their privacy and independence.
Easy Access To HR Support
Many businesses, particularly smaller ones, often do not have a dedicated HR team and instead outsource their main HR tasks. This approach can leave employees without a clear point of contact when they need to address complaints or concerns, leading to unresolved issues and a lack of support.
Having easy access to an HR expert is crucial for employee well-being and organisational harmony. An in-house HR professional can provide immediate assistance and guidance on various issues, from conflict resolution to mental health support. This direct access ensures that employees feel heard and valued, which can significantly enhance their overall job satisfaction and productivity.
Furthermore, an accessible HR team can help implement and enforce workplace safety protocols, conduct regular training sessions, and ensure compliance with legal standards.
Investing in advanced safety and security measures is essential for creating a safe and supportive work environment. Standard safety equipment, while crucial, must be complemented with additional solutions. By adopting these enhancements, businesses can protect their employees more effectively, improve job satisfaction, and foster a culture of safety and trust.