As a small business owner or company manager, maintaining health and safety at the workplace may have quite a large impact on your company operations. Just how much of an impact depends on your country of operation, for example some managers in western countries are turned off by what appear to be ludicrous HSE rules that have more to do with political correctness than safety. However, the truth of the matter is that, ‘PC’ rulings aside, having a positive work environment is best for all; owners, managers and workers - no matter what the core-business or where the business operates.

Realistically achieving a positive work environment

Some countries have very formal HSE (Health Safety and Environment) rules and regulations, other countries are much more lax. However, from a management perspective it is important for small business owners to understand that having a positive work environment is not just about meeting local laws governing health and safety at the workplace. One often overlooked and very basic workplace health and safety aspect is simply providing a safe and comfortable work environment for employees.

This is important for management to consider as a comfortable work environment has a direct effect on output, productivity, employee morale, absenteeism - and can even help prevent needless lawsuits. In short, having a positive work environment provides big benefits for the employer as well as the employees. Make no mistake, apart from some ludicrous ‘PC’ health and safety rules imposed by some countries, ensuring workplace health and safety through having a positive work environment is a prime requirement in achieving good productivity.

What must be understood by owners and managers (and we all wish was understood by the government officials that set many workplace health and safety rules), is that total comfort and safety is not always practical – after all, it is a workplace not a residence. This said, we must make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the workplace is as safe and comfortable as possible. If we can do this we can help achieve that much sought business goal - a win-win situation. Happy, comfortable workers win, and happy workers that work and produce well means a win for the boss.

Simple Actions to improve productivity

In many cases, simple forethought can do much to improve the work environment and make it more conducive to improved operations and increased productivity. For example, it is uncomfortable standing or sitting poorly for extended periods. So, if the work can be performed seated, appropriate seating should be provided. This ‘appropriate’ seating does not need to be state-of-the-art designer chairs - but by the same token, even if a wooden box stool, it should be sized correctly for the person and the task, and provide sufficient comfort and support.

If some worksite tasks require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), whether it is a simple apron, gloves, or coveralls, ensure that it is of the right type and size. Many workers remove or discard incorrectly sized, uncomfortable PPE when the boss isn’t looking. This leaves them more open for injury – and the company open to compensation claims and sick pay.  

If the temperature at the workplace is too cold or, more commonly, too hot for worker comfort, this affects productivity. While it may be cost prohibitive to have air conditioning fitted, some form of cooling, such as fans, are generally a low-cost alternative. If temperature levels can not be improved, for example workers performing tasks outside, a shaded rest area and short, regular set breaks not only make life more comfortable, but can have a surprisingly positive effect on work output.    

Often misunderstood, providing basic training in HSE, the basic safety rules, regulations and control methods available, need not be an overly costly or time-consuming affair. A small amount of time and resources spent training can reap large benefits in the long run, from improved productivity in the shortest time, to less accidents causing work time loss over the years.   

Whatever you do, as a small business owner or manager remember that making sure that the working environment is comfortable is an important aspect of ensuring the health and safety of your employees – and ensuring the least worker problems, and best productivity for you.

Related Articles

Proven Tips and Techniques to Prevent Back Injury

Dealing With Choking