The Effect of Employee Morale on Workplace Accidents
Employee safety should be a primary concern of all organizations. As employees are a valuable company asset, safety measures are important to the well-being of employees and company. Workplace accidents can damage company morale, causing apprehension and sadness.
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Workplace Accidents
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While some industries and jobs have greater risks associated with them than others, accidents can happen almost anywhere. Whether it is operating machinery, changing a light bulb or walking down a flight of stairs, an accident is possible. Using common sense and safety training can reduce the likelihood of an employee getting hurt. This not only avoids employee injury, but also loss in morale from unfortunate occurrences.
Employee Morale
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When an employee is injured on the job, this can cause sadness in co-workers, supervisors and company friends. It can also create fear. Depending on the circumstances, employees may be apprehensive of situations surrounding the accident. A worker may be hesitant to operate a piece of equipment involved with an accident. A faulty elevator may cause co-workers to take the stairs. All of these actions relate to fear caused by a workplace accident. Fear and sadness are both damaging to employee morale.
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Employee Safety
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Many organizations require safety training. This becomes especially necessary for jobs that involve the use of heavy machinery, hazardous materials or other high-risk situations. Following safety protocols, including the use of proper safety equipment or protective gear, is very important. Some jobs, like that of a police officer, rely on equipment like Kevlar vests to protect and save employee lives. Employee safety reduces the likelihood of injury and its damaging effects on employee morale.
Human Resources
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The company department often addressing issues relating to workplace accidents and employee morale is the Human Resources department. It is charged with employee assistance and reducing company risk relating to the human resources element. To reduce workplace hazards and make employees feel safe (thereby keeping morale high), Human Resources often implements safety-training programs. The department also provides sexual harassment and other educational classes. To combat grief and apprehension related to workplace accidents, Human Resources can hold private meetings with employees. In these meetings they will listen to employee concerns. They may recommend outside counseling services for employees suffering from grief or other emotional issues. Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) through third parties. These programs offer counseling services related to emotional well-being, legal advice and financial assistance. Employee assistance provided through Human Resources and third parties can help reassure employees the organization is concerned about their well-being. This has an effect on keeping company morale positive.
Dealing With Accidents
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A worker who suffers an accident should receive medical attention immediately. Human Resources and his supervisor or manager should be notified of this occurrence. For a co-worker who is troubled by a workplace accident, she should be encouraged to talk to her manager or to Human Resources.
Human Resources managers should have company procedures on what to do in the event of an accident. In addition to medical assistance, a worker's compensation claim may need to be filed. This usually requires that specific information be furnished to the company's worker's compensation insurance carrier. Implementing safety programs that educate employees and hold high safety standards will reduce accidents and show that the company holds safety as one of its highest concerns. This will reduce liability issues and send the message to employees that their safety is of utmost concern, thereby keeping morale high.
OSHA
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Every employee has a right to workplace safety. The government body responsible for protecting and enforcing this right is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA works to prevent workers from being seriously harmed or killed at work. They require employee working conditions to be free of known dangers. OSHA also provides information, training and assistance to employers and employees. If an employee believes his workplace is not safe, she can file a complaint with OSHA and request an inspection. By following OSHA workplace standards regarding employee safety and heath concerns, employers can reduce accidents and negative employee morale.
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References
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