NFIB

Safety Newsletters Can Prevent Accidents and Save You Money
03/ 28/ 2002

Accidents in the workplace are costly to small business owners. They increase insurance premiums, lead to potential liability and reduce employee enthusiasm. While not all accidents are preventable, educating and preparing your employees can help prevent many unnecessary accidents.

Try distributing safety newsletters that focus on safety issues directly related to your operation. Jeffrey Moses explains how to produce such newsletters in today's Workshop.

Federal regulations for safety are invaluable, but nothing can be as useful as regulations written specifically for your company. Your office or shop, warehouse or construction site is unique, and only you can pinpoint each and every hazard that employees may encounter. By writing an occasional safety newsletter, which can be as simple as a one-page flyer or as complex as a comprehensive manual, you can help keep your entire staff safe.

Focus areas for your safety newsletters:

1. Dangerous equipment. Include items on the importance of lockout and disconnection from power source before maintenance and repair; putting protective covers back on before restarting; placing safety warning labels on all equipment; knowing the proper places to stand during start-up and operation of machinery; avoiding use of certain items around the machinery (for example, wrenches or other tools that may fall into machinery); and any other specific tips for safety regarding individual pieces of equipment.

2. Heavy objects. Include tips on proper ways to lift; encourage using two or more people to lift heavy objects; forbid loading into high vans or trucks without assistance; and remind everyone to use dollies and ramps as aids to moving large or heavy items.

3. Remind janitorial staff to set up "Wet Floor" signs when mopping, and remind everyone else to take note of the signs.

4. Ask managers to clearly mark and/or light steps or raised areas.

5. Ask everyone to clean up spills that can cause people to slip: oils and other lubricants, water, etc.

6. Remind everyone of electrical safety, including the importance of following all warnings on posted safety notices; shutting down all equipment before opening covers or starting maintenance procedures; avoiding use of electrical equipment in rain or when water is present; and using approved electrical cords and plugs.

7. Proper clothing. Remind employees of your dress code, which may include boots, a hard hat, ear and/or eye protection and gloves. If employees work around machinery, explain the dangers of wearing loose clothing, long hair, neckties or jewelry.

8. Explain how quick fixes of equipment or plumbing malfunctions can lead to hazardous situations. Always fix things properly, even if it takes more time.

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