Protecting staff with physical safety screens, partitions and signage are as important as ever to protect both your customers and the business. Putting up a barrier is only one part of true workplace safety. The best preventative measure comes from a disciplined, trained team that knows its safety procedures and respects them.
It begins by embedding safety as a cultural cornerstone of your workplace. Both in-person and online training can be held on a regular basis, which helps to keep protocols top of mind. Create actual instances to learn through, do activities and make it practical. Have team members ask questions and share safety ideas with the general group, as frontline people may have some of the best knowledge. For information on Workplace Safety Barriers, contact emtek.co.uk/safety-barriers/workplace-safety/
Clear communication is key. Keep everyone knowing what the safety protocols are and why they count. Once employees know the reasons for rules they are more likely to actually follow them with some regard and certainly be prepared to contribute positively to the safety culture.
Lastly, continue to revise and update your protocols on a regular basis. Risks in the workplace may change, especially if a place is busy (such as with retail work). Seek input from your team and accept feedback on how things can be done better.
Be reminded that barriers have their limitations. A desire to stay safe is essential but the fact of the matter is that knowledge, awareness and commitment operates as a real protection for all. Investing in training is much more than just a tick-box exercise, it truly forms the cornerstone of a safer, confident workforce.
