Companies often make a number of key investments into their business, such as recruiting for quality employees, clear and visible signage, marketing, and equipment and technology upgrades. However, businesses often make the mistake of not investing enough in high quality safety equipment for employees or thorough training for new hires.
Safety equipment and training can have a major impact on the long-term success of a company, particularly in industries with higher risks of worker injuries, such as contractors, restaurants, and retailers. Today's Aegis blog post focuses on three specific ways businesses can be improved simply through investing more in safety equipment and proper training.
Fewer Worker Accidents and Injuries
In certain industries, worker accidents can be commonplace because of the nature of their jobs and the increased risk factors in the workplace. For example, restaurant and retail workers might face a greater number of risks due to cuts, burns, equipment malfunctions, warehouse forklift accidents, or slips and falls. However, when workers have more access to safety equipment and training, they are less likely to injure themselves and miss shifts.
Restaurants can invest in cut-resistant gloves for kitchen workers who are cutting and preparing ingredients with sharp knives, slip resistant mats to prevent kitchen falls, and back support belts for sous chefs and line cooks who are on their feet all day. Retailers can invest in additional safety training for stockroom or warehouse protocols to ensure forklifts and merchandise are carried and moved safely. These investments can sharply decrease Workers Compensation claims, and keep employees healthier and safer.
Increased Productivity
When workers are injured on the job and have to miss work for days or weeks as they recover, it doesn't just impact their own paycheck. It can also impact the productivity and bottom line for shorthanded business owners as they scramble to keep up with customer orders or daily operations. When workers have access to safety gear or Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), they are more likely to avoid workplace injuries and not miss time at work.
Safe and protected workers end up being more productive workers, and if they do still suffer a workplace injury, it might not be as severe than without safety equipment, meaning their recovery time is likely to be shorter. Also, improved safety training can also increase worker productivity as it means employees will better understand warehouse or restaurant safety rules, or have a better grasp on how to correctly and safely operate key business equipment such as industrial kitchen mixers or retail computers.
Improved Employee Morale
Finally, as businesses struggle to hire and keep employees on staff, it's more important than ever for businesses to make investments that help make employees feel valued. Investing in safety equipment and PPE can help employees know that their physical safety and overall health are priorities for management, which can go a long way in improving employee morale. Companies that make this type of investment are more likely to retain their workforce and don't have to spend as much time or resources in recruiting and retraining.
Ultimately, an investment in safety equipment, PPE, and thorough safety training is an investment in the long-term success and growth of a company and its employees. At Aegis Insurance & Financial Services, we are also committed to helping companies achieve long-term success and growth through our full range of Commercial Insurance policies, which can be tailored to specific industry needs and company goals. Contact Aegis today to learn more about our Commercial Insurance options, including Workers Compensation, Restaurant Insurance, Retail Insurance, and more. You can speak to an Aegis Commercial Manager at 713-850-7622 or fill out our online form to request a free quote.