Speak up for Safety

Workplace safety is an important concern for employers and employees alike. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2.6 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses happened in the United States in 2021. There were 5,190 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2021.

The industries with the highest rates of fatal work injuries were:

1. Transportation and warehousing
2. Construction
3. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting
4. Manufacturing
5. Wholesale trade

The leading causes of fatal work injuries were:

1. Transportation incidents
2. Violence and other injuries by persons or animals
3. Contact with objects and equipment
4. Falls, slips, and trips
5. Exposure to harmful substances or environments

Injuries and illnesses can also result in lost work days. In 2020, according to the BLS, the median number of days away from work due to a non-fatal workplace injury or illness was 12.

Improving employee engagement with workplace safety is crucial for creating a safe and healthy work environment. Here are a few ways to improve employee engagement.

Communication

Regularly communicate with employees about safety issues and concerns. Encourage them to ask questions and provide feedback. Employees should understand the importance of safety and how their actions can impact it.

Training and Education

Provide regular safety training and education. Employees should be aware of the potential hazards in their work environment and how to prevent them.

Employee Involvement

Encourage employee involvement in safety initiatives. Employees can be part of safety committees to identify and evaluate risks and develop solutions to improve safety.

Recognition and Incentives

Recognize and reward employees for safe behavior. This recognition creates a positive reinforcement for employees to take safety seriously.

Transparency

Be transparent about safety incidents and near-misses. Share the findings and lessons learned from investigations with employees. This transparency creates a sense of accountability and trust.

Safety Culture

Create a culture of safety within the organization. Safety should be a core value and part of the company’s mission. Employees should be encouraged to speak up about safety concerns and feel comfortable doing so.

Lead by Example

Top management should lead by example and prioritize safety in their decisions and actions.

Customized Approach

Different groups of employees may have special safety needs and concerns. Customize the safety program to meet the needs of the specific group.

By taking these steps, employers can improve employee engagement with workplace safety and create a safer and healthier work environment for all employees.

Communications presented by digital signage can be a powerful tool for improving worker safety by providing real-time information, alerts, and instructions to employees. Digital signs can display a wide variety of information, such as safety procedures, emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and real-time weather and traffic updates.

Centralized Control Over Real-Time Content

One of the important benefits of a digital signage system is that the communication content can be centrally controlled, customized, and localized. Since the system uses digital multi-cast programmed content operated by the company’s security/safety staff, the messaging may be modified in real-time as needed.

Emergency Alerts and Notifications

Digital signage improves worker safety by providing relevant alerts and notifications. For example, suppose there is an emergency situation, such as a fire or gas leak. In that case, digital signs can be used to display emergency procedures and evacuation plans, making it easier for employees to quickly and safely respond to the situation.

Road and Weather Conditions

Additionally, digital signs may display real-time weather and traffic updates, which can help employees plan their commutes and avoid dangerous road conditions.

Training and Daily Reminders

Another way that digital signage can improve worker safety is by providing training and education to employees. Digital signs may display safety procedures, instructions for operating equipment, and other training materials. This training ensures that employees are aware of potential hazards and know how to prevent them.

Additionally, digital signs can display reminders and tips, such as how to lift heavy objects or properly use personal protection equipment (PPE).

Safety Culture

Digital signage can promote a culture of safety within an organization. By displaying safety messages, recognizing employees for safe practices, and highlighting safety achievements, digital signs can help to create a sense of ownership and pride among employees in maintaining a safe working environment.

Employee Communication and Team Building

Digital signage can improve communication and team-building collaboration among employees. For example, digital signs may display information about upcoming meetings, training sessions, and other events. These reminders can help to ensure that employees are aware of important information and can plan their schedules accordingly.

Digital signs are helpful when they display information about upcoming projects, milestones, and deadlines. Having all employees aware of this information may increase employee collaboration and teamwork.

Improved Productivity Without Sacrificing Safety

In addition to these benefits, digital signage may improve efficiency and productivity. For example, digital signs may display real-time information about inventory levels, production schedules, and other key performance indicators. This communication can help to ensure that employees are aware of the status of projects.

Employees can make adjustments as needed to stay on track while safely performing work tasks using the correct tools and materials.

Scheduling and Emergency Responders

Digital signs may display employee schedules and assignments. This information can help ensure that tasks are completed on time and that employees know their responsibilities. Scheduling also shows who to contact in the case of an emergency. In a dire situation, employees must know who is available to respond. Safety signage can display how to reach emergency personnel quickly.

In conclusion, digital signage can be a powerful tool for improving worker safety by providing real-time information, alerts, and instructions to employees, promoting a culture of safety, improving communication and collaboration among employees, and helping to improve efficiency and productivity. By leveraging the power of digital signs, organizations can create safer, more efficient, and more productive work environments for their employees.

To start the conversation about using digital signage as an integral part of your workplace safety initiatives, contact us for a free consultation.