Maintaining a safe work environment should always be a top priority. Whether it's a busy office, a hot kitchen or a noisy construction site, reducing the risk of injury and protecting your workforce is more than a regulatory compliance. From minor accidents to life-threatening injuries, the risks are real and varied. However, a proactive approach can significantly reduce these risks and create a safer workplace. Here are some ways facility and procurement leaders can help safeguard employees from head to toe, and ensure long-term operational success in their organization.
Drive Success with a Commitment to Safety
Safeguarding your workforce from head to toe requires a proactive approach and steadfast commitment to safety. A combination of assessment, proper equipment and ongoing monitoring creates a work environment where employees feel protected, valued and empowered to perform their jobs effectively. A safe work environment:
- Allows employees to better focus on their tasks without fear of accidents, leading to increased productivity
- Reduces costs associated with medical expenses, compensation payments and operational downtime
- Signals to employees that the organization values their well-being which may increase engagement and retention levels
Here are some considerations to think about when implementing safety protocols in your organization.
Head Protection
OSHA mandates head protection to protect workers from falling or stationary objects, while bump caps protect workers from minor injuries or scrapes caused by walking or bumping into a stationary object. Protect employees from impacts to the head that can cause head, neck and spinal injuries. Helmets should be routinely inspected for cracks, dents or any signs of damage. For optimal protection, damaged helmets should be replaced immediately.
Eye & Face Protection
Protect workers from impact injuries and splash with proper fitting goggles. Eye protection is often worn under a face shield when both eye and face protection are required. Provide workers access to an organized assortment of safety goggles and glasses as well as the supplies to keep glasses clean and lens coatings fresh.
Hearing Protection
Prolonged exposure to loud noise levels can lead to hearing loss or other auditory problems. OSHA standards call for ear protection that reduces exposure to below 85 dB for an average 8-hour work shift to avoid noise-induced hearing loss. Earplugs that fit in the ear canal and earmuffs that fit over the ear provide similar ranges of protection. Conduct regular noise level assessments to identify where noise exposure exceeds permissible limits.
Hand & Arm Protection
Protect workers from cuts, burns and other injuries with safety gloves and arm protection. From handling sharp objects to operating machinery or working with chemicals, there is a wide selection of hand protection to meet application needs. Gloves and sleeves are often ANSI/ISEA-rated for cut and needlestick resistance. Ensure employees know the right gloves to wear for the job with training and signage.
Foot Protection
OSHA requires protective footwear for workers at risk of injury from rolling equipment, penetrating or crushing objects, hot or corrosive materials, poisonous or biohazardous materials, and electrical hazards. Today’s work boots offer more protection along with comfort and style for wear after work. Overboots and overshoes fit over footwear to shield shoes from water, chemical or electrical hazards. Hold on-site safety footwear fittings to help your employees get the best-fitting footwear without having to take time out of their day.
Purchasing Safety Equipment Faster & More Efficiently
Having safety equipment on hand for employees can not only protect workers, but also lead to long-term operational success for your organization. Are you realizing you need to upgrade or add more protective gear to your inventory? A cooperative contract with Lawson through OMNIA Partners can assist procurement professionals in gathering materials easily, quickly and at a national discounted price. Since the contract has been through a competitive bidding process and awarded publicly by a lead agency, public agencies can feel confident knowing they meet compliancy requirements.
Follow the button below to access contract documents, contact a dedicated purchasing expert or browse additional workplace safety resources and tools. Ready to buy now? Lawson products are now available on OPUS! With a single login and single shopping cart, you can streamline your purchasing experience with OMNIA Partner's new e-commerce platform. It's free to all participants of OMNIA Partners! Click the button below to start purchasing TODAY!
About Lawson Products & OMNIA Partners
Lawson Products offers a broad range of safety, fleet, facility and grounds maintenance products at deeply discounted prices. Through the purchasing power of OMNIA Partners, participating agencies can leverage a cooperative contract with Lawson Products. The combination of Lawson Managed Inventory and the Company’s problem-solving professionals ensures customers always have the right parts to handle the job. Discover a better way to buy and get connected with Lawson Products today! MRO solutions from Lawson are now available on OPUS. With a single login and single shopping cart, purchasing has never been easier. Learn more about OPUS today!