Health and Safety in the Workplace: 10 Best Practices

A safe workplace is more than hard hats and hazard signs; it is about creating a culture of prevention, accountability, and care. This guide explores ten proven best practices to help organizations create safer and healthier environments for everyone.

1. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

Risk assessments are essential for identifying potential hazards - physical, chemical, ergonomic, or psychosocial - before they cause harm. This process forms the backbone of any workplace safety program.

How to Do It Right:

• Step 1: Identify hazards (e.g., slippery floors, heavy machinery, excessive noise).

• Step 2: Assess who might be harmed and how.

• Step 3: Evaluate and implement risk controls using the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE).

• Step 4: Document the findings.

• Step 5: Review and update regularly, especially after incidents or organizational changes.

2. Develop a Clear Health & Safety Policy

A written policy communicates leadership’s commitment to health and safety and sets expectations at every level. It’s also legally required in many jurisdictions.

What to Include:

• A statement of intent

• Roles and responsibilities (from CEO to interns)

• Implementation and review methods

• Reporting and response protocols

3. Provide Ongoing Training and Education

Safety protocols evolve. To avoid preventable accidents, Employees must stay updated with new equipment, regulations, and best practices.

Best Practices:

• Conduct mandatory induction training for all new hires.

• Offer task-specific training (e.g., ladder safety, lockout/tagout procedures).

• Schedule annual refreshers.

• Include soft safety skills—like situational awareness and communication—in training modules.

4. Maintain Equipment and Workspaces

Poorly maintained tools or cluttered environments can lead to injury, downtime, or even fatal accidents. A clean and organized space is inherently safer.

What to Focus On:

• Preventive maintenance schedules for machinery

• Daily housekeeping protocols

• Clearly marked storage for hazardous substances

• Inspection checklists and logs

5. Promote Open Communication

Safety is a shared responsibility. If workers don’t feel comfortable reporting hazards or concerns, risks remain unaddressed.

Create Channels for Feedback:

• Regular toolbox talks and safety briefings

• Anonymous suggestion boxes

• Safety committees with worker representation

• Clear, non-retaliatory reporting procedures

6. Support Mental Health and Well-being

Mental health challenges like stress, burnout, and anxiety can impact decision-making and safety. Supporting psychological well-being is part of a holistic safety strategy.

Strategies to Support Mental Health:

• Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

• Promote flexible scheduling and rest breaks

• Provide access to mental health training and awareness campaigns

• Cultivate a non-judgmental, inclusive environment

7. Establish Emergency Procedures

Emergencies can occur at any time. A fast, effective response can minimize harm and even save lives.

Essentials for Emergency Preparedness:

• Develop and post evacuation maps and emergency contact info

• Assign and train emergency response teams

• Stock first aid kits, defibrillators, and fire extinguishers

• Conduct regular fire drills and active threat simulations

8. Provide and Enforce Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When other control measures can’t eliminate a hazard, PPE becomes the last line of defense between workers and injury.

PPE Best Practices:

• Choose the right PPE for the hazard (e.g., gloves, goggles, respirators)

• Provide training on proper usage and maintenance

• Ensure PPE fits properly

• Replace damaged or expired items immediately

9. Document Incidents and Investigate Thoroughly

Recording and analyzing incidents helps identify trends, improve prevention efforts, and comply with legal requirements.

What to Record:

• Workplace injuries and illnesses

• Near misses

• Equipment malfunctions

• Environmental conditions

Use findings from investigations to implement corrective actions and update training or procedures.

10. Stay Compliant with Regulations

Regulatory compliance is not only legally mandated—it’s also an indicator of a mature and responsible safety culture.

Stay Up to Date:

• Monitor updates from OSHA, ILO, and local authorities

• Subscribe to regulatory newsletters or alerts

• Schedule annual compliance reviews

• Use third-party audits to validate internal safety processes

Implementing health and safety best practices is not only about avoiding fines, but safeguarding people. It boosts employee morale, reduces turnover, and enhances productivity. With proper planning, education, and communication, safety becomes a priority and a core value of your organization.

Sources: CDC Website; OSHA; National Safety Council