Not all jobs are the same. First responders know this, for example, as during the scope of a full work day they could be placed in all manner of situations that demand their full attention, their ability to navigate difficult and even dangerous situations, and doing so while complying with the law in every respect.
Now, just because this job category is tough, it doesn’t add or take away from other jobs that also suffer from trying situations. This is just one example, and comparing apples to oranges, especially when it comes to people, is a bad idea. However, it’s also true to say that there’s one thing all of these employees, and employees who are rarely in difficult situations deserve – and that’s safety.
Safety cannot be guaranteed 100% of the time and in 100% of situations, but it can be thoroughly pursued and safeguarded via essential prevention measures, well-thought-out policies, and granting our staff the autonomy and tools necessary to make appropriate decisions. Let’s consider how you can help your own staff remain safe even in trying conditions, no matter what they may be:
Communication Equipment
It’s very important to recognize that teams which are able to converse with one another, and their managers, are better able to operate with the most up to date information. For such a reasonable expense, the results can be life saving. Fire departments use the Motorola fire radio, and it’s true that park attendees, security staff and more can benefit from this. It may be the difference between calling an ambulance for someone and not being able to unless walking a great distance. Communication equipment protocol should be trained correctly, and bands set at the beginning of the day.
Reviewed Safety Protocols & Accountability
Your staff can only be as safe as your protocols permit them to be. So for example, a clear and obvious one is that no staff is allowed to operate heavy machinery if they’ve been drinking. That much is simple enough to understand. But protocols can also become highly specific, such as only allowing two-men teams in certain areas, and that the last one out has to ensure all of the doors are properly locked and the seal is functional. Make your protocols easy to remember and step by step; and most of all, ensure that proper practice is verified and those who subvert it willingly or mistakenly are held to account.
Safety Equipment Inspection & Inventory
Essential safety equipment can include gloves, shielded eyeglasses, aprons, steel-toe-capped boots, alarms, and more. In some cases, it may be part of the uniform, such as how fire department personnel wear reflective coats. Safety inspections on all of this equipment before and after use is essential to ensure it could protect your staff member as and when appropriate, as finding dysfunction in the field shows that someone hasn’t performed their job correctly. Keeping a watertight and tracked inventory of all of these pieces of equipment can help you order replacements when appropriate; as well as give you time to ensure all provisions are accounted for.
With this advice, you’re sure to keep your staff safe, just as they deserve to be, despite trying working conditions.
