(Damian Simoneaux, LWCC Safety Services Manager) – According to the National Safety Council, preventable work injuries cost more than $167 billion and contributed to the loss of more than 75 million workdays in 2022, the last year for which stats are available. That’s why it is vitally important for employers to create a workplace safety plan to reduce accidents and injuries on the job.
A successful safety and risk management program requires detailed planning, careful implementation, and employers and employees who are committed to a strong safety culture.
To get started, follow LWCC’s (Louisiana Workers Compenation Corporation) five steps to safety: inspect, analyze, evaluate, plan, and train.
1. INSPECT
Walk through your worksite and facilities looking for any potential hazards, including everything from tripping risks to inadequate lighting. Inspect your workplace regularly to identify actual and potential hazards as they emerge.
2. ANALYZE
When accidents happen in the workplace, analyze how and why they occurand what adjustments could prevent the accident from happening again.
3. EVALUATE
Keeping the worksite inspection and accident analysis in mind, it’s important to assess the effectiveness of existing safety measures and protocols. LWCC’s self-evaluation safety survey can help. Visit LWCC.com/resources for a quick, 25-question survey to guide your evaluation.
4. PLAN
By clearly defining your policies in a safety plan, you’ll establish a culture of responsibility and accountability, better manage your risks, and have materials readily available if an incident occurs. If you’re unsure where or how to start, visit LWCC.com/resources, where you can find guides and templates to develop a written plan.
5. TRAIN
Your safety plan should include training guidelines to set a standard for workplace safety and best practices. Educating employees helps them understand why safe practices are necessary and how they can minimize accidents. Be sure to make safety training part of your onboarding process for new employees.
LWCC’s commitment to safety spans across Louisiana, aiming to foster secure work environments for all. While certain services are exclusive to policyholders, we believe in promoting a culture of safety that extends beyond our insureds. At LWCC.com, we offer a variety of resources and tools available to anyone seeking help to enhance workplace safety. From informative articles to helpful safety guides, our website serves as a hub to empower businesses and individuals alike to prioritize safety in their workplaces.