Close Calls and Near Misses: Practical Solutions for Companies
As a manager or supervisor, you know that keeping your employees safe is as important as Tim Horton's coffee on a Monday morning. But sometimes, near misses and close calls can leave you feeling like you're skating on thin ice. Worry not, for we have compiled a list of practical solutions to help you deal with these incidents and prevent future ones.
Section 1: A "Hockey" Approach to Near Misses and Close Calls
1.1 Know the Stats
Before we jump into solutions, let's take a look at some startling statistics. According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), in 2020, there were over 240,000 accepted claims for lost time due to work-related injuries or illnesses source. While it's no secret that accidents happen, many of these incidents could have been prevented if near misses and close calls were properly addressed.
1.2 Recognize and Report
First things first: encourage your employees to report near misses and close calls. You can't fix what you don't know! Create an open and positive reporting culture where workers feel comfortable coming forward with potential hazards. This will allow you to address issues before they escalate into serious accidents. Check out WorkSafeBC's guide on effective reporting systems for more tips on this.
Section 2: Actionable Steps for Improving Safety
2.1 Analyze and Investigate
When it comes to near misses and close calls, knowledge is power. Conduct thorough investigations to identify the root causes of these incidents. This will help you understand what went wrong and how to prevent similar occurrences in the future. For guidance on conducting effective investigations, take a look at our Accident Investigation Awareness course.
2.2 Employee Training
A well-trained workforce is a safer one? Regularly conduct training sessions to ensure employees are up-to-date on safety procedures and use real-life examples to make the material more relatable.
2.3 Implement Preventive Measures
Once you've identified potential hazards, take action to mitigate them. This can include updating policies, improving equipment, or even redesigning work processes. For example, after a close call involving a forklift at a warehouse in Alberta, the company decided to install pedestrian barriers to separate workers from vehicle traffic.
Section 3: Team Up with On-Track Safety for a Winning Game Plan
Let's face it: dealing with near misses and close calls can be as confusing as trying to understand curling. That's where we come in! On-Track Safety is here to help you develop and implement practical solutions tailored to your company's needs. Our experienced consultants can guide you through the process and ensure your workplace is as safe as a beaver's lodge. So, what are you waiting for?
