When you own a contracting business, one of the biggest challenges can be making sure your employees stay safe. When you're there and watching, they may follow all of the safety precautions, but once you step away, they may stop being so cautious. How can you reduce the risk of injuries and really drive home how important safety is? Here are four methods to get you started.
1. Print Safety Manuals
Your contractors have a lot to remember. They may be a little foggy as to what the best safety approaches actually are. Plus, new employees may have a tough time learning the proper safety procedures if the current employees are not great about following them. A good solution to this problem is to have contractor safety program manuals printed with a company like safetymadesimple.biz. Customize the manuals to include everything you want your employees to do and not to do. Hand these manuals out to every new employee, and reference the manual often when you make safety reminders. If there is ever a question as to how to do something safely, refer to the manual. Get your employees used to using it as a resource.
2. Reward Good Behavior
There is a tendency towards punishing employees who do not go a good job, but negative reinforcement just tends to make people fearful and bitter. A better way to reinforce compliance is to offer rewards for those who are seen doing a great job. Let employees know that once a month you will give out a safety award to a person who is seen following safety regulations well. This reward does not have to be anything huge—it can be a gift card or a new cap.
3. Attend Safety Conferences
Since safety is such a huge concern in the contractor industry, there are numerous conferences each year that focus on safety. Make a habit of attending one at least once a year. Bring a few of your more interested or more senior employees with you. Not only will you learn something, but this sets the precedent that your company values safety, which helps get other employees interested.
4. Address Issues Promptly
When you have a safety concern about the way an employee has been doing something, address it quickly. Not only does this reduce the risk of injury, but it shows employees that you take safety matters seriously. Talk to the employee in private, and be kind yet firm.
Follow the tips above, and the culture of safety in your business will grow.