A work environment is a surrounding condition where an employee operates. The work environment has physical conditions such as office temperature or equipment such as personal computers and printers. In addition, a work environment may have other factors such as work processes or procedures.
What are the types of work environments?
Types of work environments are realistic, investigative, inventive, and social. Realistic consists of physical activities, often having employees known as doers. Investigative is built on critical thinking, experimentation, and problem-solving. Inventive is a working environment that implements new work processes. Creative environments often employ people known as creators who thrive in a more emotional and flexible setting. A social environment promotes communication, helping, healing, and education between employees and employers.
Examples of an unsafe work environment
An unsafe working environment is a threat to any employee and can occur in any environment. Unsafe environments are ergonomic hazards, chemical hazards, or biological hazards. Any way your job strains your body is known as an ergonomic hazard. An unsafe work environment can be prevented by implementing several safe work environment strategies.
Examples of unsafe working conditions
There are at least seven examples of unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, inadequate guards, fire hazards, workplace congestion, insufficient or broken warning systems, hazardous air conditions, lack of cleaning, and poor housekeeping. Cluttered and dirty housekeeping could cause a worker to trip on an extension cord that was not put away carefully, or they could slip and fall on staircases that have not been cleaned.
Tips to help employees stay safe in their workplace environment
Tips that will help are using tools, equipment, and machinery properly, reporting any unsafe conditions, wearing all necessary safety gear, keeping your workplace free of clutter, staying hydrated, practicing good posture when sitting or lifting, and taking regular breaks. Also, be aware of your surroundings to avoid workplace injury, never take shortcuts, and remain aware of new safety procedures.
Benefits of creating a safe work environment
There are a host of benefits to working in a safe work environment such as increasing employee safety and improving employee morale, reducing operating costs, and produces a positive effect on public perception. It is a fact that customers prefer dealing with a company that cares more about their employees as compared to other companies. It promotes a positive public image. A positive public image is something you can’t buy and can provide a lasting
Way to increase workplace safety
To increase workplace safety, there are three ways to make this happen such as staff training, implementing the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, implementing a safety incentive plan, and using protective safety equipment.
To conclude, work safety environments are critical for the well-being of employees and can add productivity to employee morale, and reduce operating costs and positively affect public perception. Talk with an HR employee representative soon and find out how a safe work environment can help you and your employees. The benefits of talking with an HR representative are worth it.
