Resolutions to Implement for a Safer Facility in 2020

So, how did those workplace resolution goals go this year? Don't fret. Most resolutions fail because they are too impractical or lack strategy, psychology experts say. According to a recent poll by Environmental Health and Safety Today magazine, 51% of respondents said they make safety and health-related resolutions each year. Neuroscience research suggests spreading resolutions out over time is the best approach. Resolutions without a clear plan are ripe for failure, so to assist with helping safety professionals keep safety resolutions in 2020, here are 12 clear safety goals to try.

1. Build an Emergency Action Plan

Just in case. Have a facility-wide emergency preparedness meeting and focus on specific needs for a variety of incidents. Enhance emergency exits, fire equipment, eye wash stations, and first aid kits with bundled floor signs and safety signs. Install wayfinding and floor markings to identify work locations and the safest and most efficient paths through the facility.

2. Re-Focus the Business

Get the top brass involved. C-level executives can identify measurable increases in safety as important goals for all employees. Look over safety improvement records to see what has benefited the company and where to focus for the next year.

3. Review Safety Programs

What is already being done? Ensure safety signage, floor markings, and other directives are printed with text and pictograms that benefit a variety of worker aptitudes. Request professional advice and compliance assistance. Revisit accident prevention program policies and procedures with employees to ensure everyone understands the importance of safety and health on the job.               

4. Perform a Job Hazard Analysis

Spot real problems and identify solutions. Perform a job hazard analysis to identify where a task could go wrong and hurt someone, to assess risks, and to assign protective controls.

5. Inspect and Maintain

What is actually here? What should be here? Replace old, worn, non-compliant, and confusing signs and labels. Check that spill containment kits, emergency equipment, and disaster kits are stocked and ready. Test fire extinguishers, AED equipment, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check and replace batteries and light bulbs. Ensure lockout/tagout kits and stations contain what is needed to perform maintenance tasks.

6. Update Organization

Is there a better way to do this? Check out the benefits of a lean program such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, or Kaizen. Organize tools and materials into labeled and color-coded storage locations. Use floor marking tapes and signs to mark the safest, most efficient paths through the facility. Track safety improvements. Ensure Safety Data Sheets are maintained.

7. Align With Standards

What do industry experts recommend? Examine facilities, equipment, ergonomics, and hazardous materials storage for compliance, best practice standards, and potential vulnerability. Apply strategic labeling techniques to direct, warn, and communicate specific information unique to one's workplace. Make a checklist and evaluate the job site.

8. Review Training

Informed workers are safer. Make sure safety training material is relevant, up to date, easily accessible, and printed in a way employees can easily understand. Retrain employees for facility safety when work processes change, when new hazards are identified, or when an injury or near-miss incident occurs.

9. Update & Maintain PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense. Make sure PPE is up to date and provides the appropriate level of defense for each task. Train employees on the proper use of PPE. Make sure places where PPE is kept are organized, labeled, and listed correctly.

10. Stay Up To Date

Safety managers should stay in touch. Be diligent in keeping current with trends and changes in the safety industry. For timely, up-to-date safety information, look through social media avenues. Exchange views on specific safety hazards, procedures, and solutions with discussion groups on LinkedIn and Facebook. Use newer technology when appropriate as modern machines have built-in power safety mechanisms and alerts, or offer leaner work practices.

11. Invest In Continuing Education

How can workers stay in touch? Check out the vast selection of e-learning classes and webinars available on industrial safety websites. Cell phone applications can be a helpful resource for a variety of industry needs. Pin up safety posters or infographics with helpful safety goal focused reminders or other quick safety reads. Check for compliance updates, industry reference guides, and various other training tools to keep workers in the know.

12. Build Up Safety Culture

Keep the conversation going. Openly discuss the importance of safety and health in the workplace. Don't let employees operate machinery or equipment without receiving proper training on how to use and operate it safely. Engage with workers on ideas, concerns, or job accommodation needs. Reinforce prevention messages and current safety education material.

Resolution Solutions with Duralabel

Build workplace safety awareness by taking an even greater role with practical solutions from Duralabel, an innovative leader, providing solutions for safety and visual communication. Mitigate hazards and improve safety with OSHA-related articles, guides, videos, and more. Safety signs provide an effective method for communicating complex and critical information at the point of need. Embrace the power of quickly creating custom signs and labels unique to one's facility needs using DuraLabel industrial label and sign printers.

To help you identify the sign, label, and marking needs you have at your facility, we have put together this free Facility Safety Audit Guide. The tools provided here will help you identify safety hazards throughout your facility and describe how best to mitigate them. Download your copy today!