When your employees come to work each day in your lab, they should feel as though they are in a safe place. However, accidents can happen that may result in injury. You can prevent these from occurring by learning five ways you can improve your lab safety for workers.
Hire Compliant Consultants
One way you can improve the safety of your lab is by hiring compliant consultants that make lab safety regulations easier. They help you stay up to date with the ever-changing safety rules and bring a fresh perspective to your lab by pointing out hazards you may have missed. After you become aware of these dangers, you can eliminate them.
Have Fire Prevention Equipment on Hand
Another way you can improve your lab safety for workers is by ensuring you have fire prevention equipment on hand. If your laboratory does research with Bunsen burners and hazardous chemicals, you must be ready if the worst happens. Give your employees access to fire extinguishers and blankets so they can use them.
Require the Proper PPE
You also can make laboratory work safer by requiring your employees to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Even if they are not working with burners or dangerous chemicals, their work may involve materials that can harm their eyes or skin. In addition to a lab coat, they should have goggles and gloves that they can use.
Do Not Allow Food or Beverages in the Lab
It’s understandable when your employees must take a break for lunch or want to step out to get a snack. But they should not bring any food or beverages into your lab. They will risk contaminating your research with these items. They will also put themselves in danger if any dangerous materials come in contact with their food. They should leave any food or beverages outside.
Prevent People From Working Alone
Finally, you can increase safety by implementing a policy that prevents people from working alone in the lab. If an accident does occur, more than one person should be present. The other person can provide help if their lab partner experiences injury.
When you improve the level of safety in your workplace, you will make employees feel better about their jobs. They will be more inspired to do good work for you and stay loyal in the future.
