Health and safety is a big deal for businesses, with proper standards helping to reduce the incidence and severity of accidents. Regulations have helped make many industries safer, ensuring employees have adequate protections. Not only has this been a positive change for the rights of workers, but it’s also helped to reduce the impact of workplace accidents on businesses.
It’s estimated that ill health and injuries occurring at work cost UK businesses more than £20 billion between 2021 and 2022. Naturally, businesses have an obligation to improve safety standards, but it’s also in their best interest to reduce the impact to the company. Here are some of the ways modern businesses have improved safety standards over the years.
Beacons
Beacons are warning lights that provide a simple yet highly effective solution to hazards within the workplace. These lights can be placed anywhere within the workplace and signal to alert employees of a dangerous area or potential hazards such as fires or gas leaks.
These lights come in many different colours, with each colour used to provide a different meaning. A blue flashing beacon signals that a change is occurring such as the machine powering down. Green lights show that the conditions are normal and there are no issues, while amber is used to warn of potential hazards. Red flashing lights are universally used to denote an immediate danger.
Aside from changing the colour, beacons can be designed to remain static, rotate or flash to provide additional information. All of these features help make the light more noticeable and provide employees with clearer information on potential hazards. This form of instant communication is necessary for reducing risks and keeping the workplace safe.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that aims to create software capable of recognising patterns, analysing data and solving problems. Naturally, it has many applications including workplace safety. AI tools can be used to examine live camera feeds, activating an alarm is a problem is detected. This is useful for large companies where its not possible for employees to supervise every machine or piece of equipment.
The use of AI can also help reduce the incidence of human error, which is one of the leading causes of workplace accidents. Employees who are tired or lose focus may inadvertently cause an accident, but a machine powered by AI can operate itself safely 24/7. Additionally, AI tools can be used in place of human workers in situations that are hazardous to reduce the risks faced.
Wearable Safety Gear
One of the simplest ways to reduce workplace accidents is to ensure all employees have adequate safety gear. PPE can include masks, gloves, non-slip boots and eye goggles. All of this equipment is designed to protect the wearer from potential hazards, though it also needs to be simple to use and comfortable to wear.
Employee Training
Providing better training to employees has perhaps had the biggest impact on workplace safety. While technology helps to keep workers safe, it’s no use without proper training on how to use it and the potential dangers and hazards found in the workplace. In modern workplaces, safety training is carried out with all new hires, and regular sessions help to refresh proper procedures and ensure standards remain high.
Modern training can make use of technology such as virtual reality and computer modelling to create realistic scenarios for employees to learn from. This type of training is better suited for workplaces that deal with serious, life-threatening hazards. It’s a great way to improve safety standards and test procedures without increasing risks to employees.
