Proactive approach to workplace safety
According to Statistics Netherlands, there were almost 200 thousand occupational accidents in the Netherlands in 2021. That is why a proactive approach to workplace safety is so important. Discover more about the benefits of a proactive policy and improve safety in your workplace!
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What is a proactive approach?
A proactive approach is an active approach that focuses on preventing problems and anticipating future developments. A current development, for example, is the energy transition. A proactive approach is about taking initiative and thinking ahead to mitigate or avoid potential challenges. A proactive approach helps identify potential problems before they actually arise and makes it possible to set goals and take targeted actions to achieve these goals. In the case of the energy transition, new measures can be considered, such as installing fire extinguishers that are suitable for battery fires in a garage where employees park and charge their (electric) cars.
The benefits of a proactive approach in the workplace
According to Statistics Netherlands, there were almost 200 thousand occupational accidents in the Netherlands in 2021. That is why a proactive approach to workplace safety is so important! Thanks to this active approach, more attention can be paid to safety problems and there is no waiting for accidents to happen. Hazards are therefore avoided, an important aspect for workplace safety.
Also, a proactive approach can help increase productivity by allowing the team to address issues rather than wait for something to go wrong. As a result, there is a faster resolution of problems and, for example, the costs of repairs and replacement of equipment can be reduced. This helps to ultimately reduce maintenance costs.
By proactively monitoring and collecting data, an organization can gain more insight into its activities and processes. This helps to make better decisions and improve performance.
Tips for a proactive policy
Implementing a proactive policy, where do you start? Start by identifying the main risks and threats that may arise. In this way, the consequences and possible solutions can be determined. Then set the objectives: what are the goals when it comes to workplace safety, and how are they going to be achieved? For example, a goal can be awareness of new fire risks. After evaluating these new fire risks, preventive measures can be implemented. Ensure that employees are involved in the proactive policy. This ensures better cooperation and everyone is more prepared to make the right decisions in the event of a crisis. To achieve this, it is important to train staff and create a proactive culture. This improves the knowledge and skills of staff and everyone can deal with situations more effectively.
Then, proactively monitor and evaluate the policy. Keep learning and adjust the plan based on new information and experiences. It is important to keep improving communication, because this ensures better cooperation.
Communication in the organization
Communicating with colleagues about possible risks and identifying unsafe situations are two of the most important aspects when it comes to creating safety. How do you continue to communicate with each other about workplace safety? A good approach requires structural communication. That is why it is important to create an open communication culture, in which all employees are encouraged to report possible safety risks and areas for improvement. For example, structural communication can be achieved through:
– Regular meetings where safety issues are discussed and employees are given the opportunity to propose improvements that can contribute to a safer working environment
– Organizing regular training courses to inform employees about safety issues
– Organizing knowledge sessions with experts in the field of safety, to give employees insight into specific safety regulations
– Regularly distributing safety messages to keep employees informed of the latest developments
– Using online communication tools, such as email or intranet, to notify employees of important safety issues
Laws and regulations for workplace safety
There are various laws and regulations for workplace safety in the Netherlands, including the Working Conditions Act, the Working Conditions Decree and European Directive 89/654/EEC. These laws regulate the responsibilities of employers and employees for safety, health and well-being in the workplace, contain specific regulations and guidelines such as wearing personal protective equipment and preventing occupational risks, and the minimum requirements for workplace safety. Besides the fact that there are many more laws regarding this safety, many companies have their own internal rules and procedures.
It is therefore important to identify the risks for each workplace and to use the correct protective equipment to ensure the safety of employees. The right resources depend of course on the environment in which you work. Workplace safety can include:
– Wearing personal protective equipment, such as safety shoes, hearing protection and a helmet
– Regularly tidying up the workplace so that there are no obstacles
– Provide adequate lighting to prevent accidents
– Always have a first aid kit available
– Install fire extinguishers and fire blankets in strategic places to be able to intervene quickly in case of fire
Improve your safety at the workplace with KMA Group
KMA Group specializes in tackling specific security risks. We do this through thorough analyzes and research into the latest technologies. In collaboration we can map out the specific risks within the organization and take the right measures to proactively manage these risks. Pragmatic, thorough and ISO certified.