Berks & Beyond Blog

Spills.  Disorganized work spaces.  Burned out light bulbs.

Seemingly innocuous things like these can create hazardous working conditions – which could ultimately lead to injuries and expensive workers’ compensation claims for your business.

When it comes to workplace safety, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  In other words, the best way to keep workers’ compensation claims down is by preventing injuries on the job.  So if you’re new to workplace safety concepts, or would simply like to refresh your knowledge, take a minute to review these tips for creating a safer work environment.

1. Keep the work space as clean as possible.  Poor housekeeping can cause frequent workplace accidents.  As such, cleaning should be an ongoing effort by all employees.
2. Properly plan jobs.  When expectations, time schedules and equipment lists are clearly communicated, each team member knows what is required to complete a job safely and on time.  As part of your planning, identify potential safety hazards, so you can avoid them.  All too often, “rush” jobs lead to shortcuts, lack of/improper use of safety equipment, accidents and injuries.
3. Remind employees to:  lift with their legs and knees; never twist while lifting something heavy; take hourly breaks to stretch when required to sit for long periods; use the right tools for the job.  Post these reminders in areas where your employees will frequently see them.
4. Encourage staff to report dangerous conditions.  You can’t be everywhere at once, so train your employees to proactively identify situations which could be potentially dangerous.  Even a seemingly innocuous burned-out light bulb or beverage spill could lead to a slip, trip or fall.  Make sure everyone on your staff knows to whom dangers should be reported.
5. Properly train and require employees to wear OSHA mandated Personal Protective Equipment when necessary, including: goggles and face protection, hard hats, safety shoes, gloves, ear muffs and ear plugs.  Proper protective equipment is a critical part of preventing workplace injuries.
6. Establish and enforce formal workplace safety policies and procedures.  Your company’s management team should create and carry out an accident prevention program that encourages employees to take safety measures seriously and to report any dangerous situations.  Make resources available to your staff with contacts and phone numbers in case of an emergency.

Creating a safe work environment should be a top priority for every employer.  Not only can a culture of safety reduce injuries and workers’ compensation claims; it can also improve morale and increase productivity.  So make workplace safety everyone’s responsibility.  Work with your staff in implementing these common-sense tips and everybody will benefit.

As a leading Central and Southern PA employment agency, Berks & Beyond works diligently with our clients to ensure workplace safety.   We thoroughly orient and train our temporary workers, to make sure they stay productive and efficient on the job.

At Berks and Beyond, we regularly recognize both our internal employees and field associates (temporaries on assignment) for their responsibility, integrity and work ethic.  Why?  Because showing our employees how much we appreciate their hard work and service to the company is a great way to raise morale (and profits, too).

So what does your company do to motivate employees?  Looking for some new ideas?

Beyond straightforward cash incentives (which are great, but not always financially feasible), here are a few thoughts and tips on how to effectively show your appreciation:

• No occasion is necessary.  You can tell others how much you value them and their contributions any day of the year – really!
• Ask employees what’s important to them.  The more closely your incentives align with employees’ wants and needs, the more effectively they will motivate.
• Find opportunities to recognize employees at all levels.  While you’ll logically want to reward top sales performers, don’t forget about the less visible employees who facilitate their success.  Make sure that your incentives send the message that all employees in your organization are valuable.

Five Ways to Show Appreciation

• Say “Thank you.”  Do you hear these two words enough?  If not, start a new trend on the job.  Remember, this simple phrase is extremely powerful – and it’s free to share.
• Provide new opportunities.  Give your employees chances to learn more (via training or cross-training), use their talents, attend association meetings, or represent your organization at civic and philanthropic events.  In addition to motivating your staff, you’ll wind up with more well-rounded employees.
• Distribute coupons for a paid hour off.  For many employees, knocking off an hour early, or coming in an hour late is a huge morale booster.
• Create and celebrate a fun holiday or seasonal tradition.  Schedule the celebration at the end of your busiest or most stressful time of year, to give employees something to look forward to.  Get creative with your ideas and ask for employee input.
• Offer flextime.  Permitting flex time allows employees to work the same total number of work hours, just at different times or locations.  This gesture lets your employees know that you respect their lives outside of work.  And during stressful economic times, facilitating healthy work/life balances for employees is a huge motivator.

Need to motivate a staff that’s stretched too thin?

If you or your staff is working too hard, Berks and Beyond can help.  Use our staffing services to offload non-essential activities, reduce overtime, minimize burnout, and reduce turnover due to overwork.

Visit the Berks Art Alliance’s 33rd Annual Open Juried Exhibition

Take a break from the summer heat to appreciate fine art created by local Berks County artists.

DATE: August 1 – September 8, 2010
OPENING RECEPTION:  Sunday, August 8, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION: GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington Street, Reading, 19601
PHONE: 610-374-4600

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:  Each year, the Berks Art Alliance invites local Berks County artists to submit work to its juried exhibition; each year, the artwork continues to transform and captivate the viewer.  The Berks Art Alliance is a fellowship of professional and amateur artists who foster an atmosphere of stimulation and encouragement, to support the visual arts within the Alliance as well as the community at large.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Visit the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts website.