Accidents can happen at any time, even in the safest environments. Teaching your employees about safety protocols and thoroughly training them to use any specialized equipment can help reduce the risk of workplace injury. Many injuries occur because of careless behavior, so it’s beneficial to stress the importance of remaining focused while on the job. Follow these safety tips, along with any that apply to your business’ specific industry. 

• Always walk, never run in the workplace 
• Check the batteries monthly in all smoke alarms and place fire extinguishers around the workplace 
• Practice fire and other emergency drills biannually 
• Keep the workplace clean and tidy to prevent trips and falls 
• Employees must wear protective gear/clothing when handling hazardous materials/equipment 
• Always use a stable, locked ladder, never a chair or other object 
• Smoking should be limited to designated outdoor areas 

Some people think that workplace injuries are tied to occupations involving manual labor, but workers with desk jobs deal with a lot of muscle strain that can lead to injury. Those workers should be encouraged to follow these tips to alleviate that tension. 

• Sit upright in a cushioned chair with armrests and lumbar support 
• Backrests and footrests can be used as needed to achieve more comfort and support 
• Position the monitor directly in front of you at eye level to prevent neck strain 
• Avoid propping the phone between your ear and shoulder to prevent neck strain 
• Stand up to stretch every hour and talk a short walk in the morning and afternoon 

Though these tips can help reduce the risk of workplace injury, accidents can still occur. Make sure your business owns workers compensation insurance to protect both its employees and finances.