As we move into the new year with fresh goals and ambitions, keeping your employees healthy and happy as an Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) manager is naturally a top priority. From being proactive about employee burnout and mental health to providing annual safety training, there are numerous steps you can take to invest in the health and safety of your employees – no matter if they work in an office, at home, or in a hybrid environment.

This responsibility extends even to seemingly low-risk office environments, as occupational illnesses and injuries cost businesses over $170 billion annually in the United States alone. A comfortable, well-ventilated, and secure workplace not only safeguards employee well-being but also significantly boosts productivity and job satisfaction.

Below are some essential tips to protect your most valuable assets—your employees—and foster a culture of safety in offices around the world. For more tips, read the full article on the Inogen Alliance blog.

Read More Tips Here!

1. Expertise in EHS challenges

To ensure a safe and productive workspace, EHS managers must be well-versed in the unique challenges of hybrid work environments. This includes addressing ergonomic considerations for employees with unassigned office seats and varying home office setups. Additionally, EHS professionals should develop emergency response strategies tailored to varied workforce presence and in many cases cultural or regional nuances in location and populations. Prioritizing overall employee well-being while balancing the demands of hybrid work is crucial.

2. Leveraging External Resources

EHS managers should equip themselves with the right resources to effectively implement and support EHS programs. Consider bringing in external support as an extension of your internal teams. Collaborating with experts can provide fresh perspectives and solutions to complex challenges with a global or local lens while enhancing workplace safety.

3. Cultivating a Safety Culture

Fostering an open and collaborative culture of safety in the workplace is essential. Prioritize people-first safety policies that not only protect employees but also safeguard your brand reputation. By encouraging employees to actively participate in creating a safer environment, you can build a strong foundation for long-term workplace well-being.

4. Ergonomic Workstation Setups: 

Ensuring that employees have ergonomic workstations is essential for preventing musculoskeletal issues and promoting overall health. Provide adjustable chairs, ergonomic keyboards, and monitor stands to support proper posture. Encourage employees to set up their workspaces to minimize strain on their neck, shoulders, wrists, and back. Conduct ergonomic assessments to identify and address individual needs. Ergonomics in the workplace extends beyond office setups, to retail, warehouses, data centers, manufacturing and more.

5. Emergency Response Programs and Drills:

Safety goes beyond physical health; it also encompasses preparedness for emergencies. Conduct regular fire drills and emergency evacuation exercises to ensure that employees know how to respond in critical situations. Post clear evacuation routes and emergency procedures in visible locations throughout the workplace. Make sure to account for cultural considerations when developing global programs and understand local environments. 

Need support creating a safer, healthier workplace? Connect with our team of experts today!

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