Security Measures

• When employees leave the workplace, your company is still liable for their safety as long as they are on the premises. It is imperative, therefore, to have security measures covering parking lots and other company property. Northwestern University's employee safety handbook advises employees never to prop open doors for strangers or to allow unknown people to enter a building behind them. Parking lots and garages should be well lit, with no dark areas around vehicles. Your employees should lock all files and remove or hide any valuables on their desks before going home. Other security measures your company might take are installing surveillance cameras, hiring security guards and installing a security system.
  
  

Accident Prevention

• The Occupational Safety and Health Act, passed in 1970, asserts that you, as an employer, must provide a safe and secure environment for your workers. This means your business should be free of obvious hazards that might cause death or physical harm to your employees. In workplaces that are inherently hazardous, such as construction sites, hard hats and gloves are just two ways to decrease the possibility of injury on the job. Corporate environments might provide ergonomic keyboards, back supports and eye-protecting computer screens for employees who need them. No matter how big or small your workplace environment is or what it does, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to comply with safety standards and regulations.
  
  If an injury or incidence occurs, your company policy should clearly define the proper steps an employee should take to report the incidence and get the injured employee help.
  
  

Hazardous Materials

• In accordance with OSHA standards, all hazardous materials must be clearly marked to prevent accidental consumption or usage. Employees should be aware of proper handling procedures for hazardous materials. For example, your company safety manual should clearly state that gloves and eye protection are mandatory whenever using liquid chemicals to prevent eye and skin damage. Likewise, you should use chemicals like ammonia and bleach only when the area is well-ventilated to keep from inhaling harmful fumes. If you use a flammable material around a welding site, you may inadvertently cause a disaster. If you are unfamiliar with a hazardous material, read the ingredients and safety data sheet before using it.
  
  

Natural Disasters

• Tornados, floods, and fires happen. Temperature fluctuations might also occur during natural disasters. Therefore, every company whose employees are exposed to these disasters should have guidance procedures. Your company should review with employees the building layout and the exits they should take if, for example, fire breaks out. Your employee safety handbook could have illustrations and a map of the building with a clearly defined evacuation plan.
  
  

Workplace Violence

• A 2005 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report found that 9 percent of the businesses surveyed did not have an established policy on workplace violence. Out of the 7.1 million companies in the survey, 5 percent experienced violence, yet, only one-third changed their workplace violence policies. If your business does not have a workplace violence policy, you risk legal action if violence occurs. Your business should declare what is and what is not acceptable behavior. Violent behavior that hinders productivity and harms others must be prevented and immediately dealt with to prevent traumatic events.