Getting back into work after the festive season can feel like a real effort. It’s not made easier by a third coronavirus lockdown.

2021 is going to be full of uncertainty and challenging for those in charge of employee safety and wellbeing. Ever-changing lockdown measures mean many workplaces are making ongoing adjustments to keep everyone safe - no easy task!

No matter what the future holds, setting clear safety resolutions can help overcome future challenges. As a business, it’s important to start a new year learning from the year before and to ensure every employee is actively involved. A great example of this process is demonstrated by Aggregate Industries. It’s a yearly tradition for the company to hold a ‘back to work day’ in January where all employees have the opportunity to put forward their suggestions and ideas for improving company safety.

The beginning of a new year is the ideal time to put your workload on pause while you review your safety policy and work safety culture.

1.    Learn from the past

Last year was a rollercoaster for everyone. The world as we know it was turned upside down and things will probably never be the same as before. But this change forced businesses to be more adaptable and resilient.

Use the learnings from last year to put a pandemic plan in place that will help your business survive another unprecedented situation.

 

2.    Address any safety gaps

Review your safety policy to see if there are any areas for improvement. Are there any safety gaps? Some examples could include:

• Tightening on-site safe working practices
• Improving safety compliance
• Preventing illness exposure
• Following the guidance set by the UK Government
  
  

3.    Review your technology

A big part of improving safety culture and compliance is evaluating your current equipment and technology. Does it meet your needs now and will it do so in the future? MyZone Worker Alert System is a simple and scalable proximity alert solution that allows on-site workers to work at a safe distance from any management defined hazard which could be fixed or moving. Find out more about how it works  

 

4.    Adjust to a new normal

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we view safety in the workplace. Aimed at keeping people safe, there’s more demand for PPE, increased cleaning protocols and new policies and procedures.

 

 5.    Revisit your communication strategy

Working from home saves employers the overheads associated with office space, equipment and utilities. A recent study published by the Independent concluded that millions of employees are more productive while working from home. When Coronavirus restrictions are lifted, a large portion of the workforce will continue to work remotely. A clear digital communication strategy that underpins your safety policy and culture is paramount.

 

 6.    Keep learning

As a business trying to navigate your way through these very unprecedented times, you’ll have different needs in different times. Equip your workforce with the right PPE to keep them safe onsite. Invest in your workforce by giving them the training they need to keep them compliant, protected and well at work. Your challenge is to ensure you have the right safety equipment, policies and communications in place to adapt and meet those needs.

 

Find out more about how MyZone can support your 2021 safety resolutions.