Does your business prioritize the health, safety, and wellbeing of the workplace? The answer is probably a yes.
But as more people are learning about climate change, sustainability, and organizations’ social responsibilities, many business leaders are starting to look at environmental safety from a new perspective.
Businesses have a responsibility to maintain environmental health and safety. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it can also help protect your business from costly fines and lawsuits.
Below are nine ways your business can practice environmental health and safety.
1. Incorporate Plants Into Your Office Decor
Plants can help improve your indoor air quality. They can also help reduce stress levels and boost productivity. Plants are especially beneficial if your office has poor ventilation.
Poor ventilation often results in a condition known as sick building syndrome. The disease is characterized by respiratory issues and frequent headaches. These issues are often due to stressful and unhealthy environments.
Bringing live plants into the office can help ease these symptoms by purifying the air. Plants have stress-reducing qualities. They can also be a reminder of the essence of sustainable living.
According to a study, plants can improve your employees’ productivity by up to 15%. So, start introducing plants into your office immediately.
2. Use Recycled Materials
Using recycled materials is a great way to reduce your business’s environmental impact. Using recycled materials can often be cheaper and easier than using new materials.
There are many different ways your business can use recycled materials. For example, you could:
- Use recycled paper for printing and copying
- Use recycled office supplies such as pens, pencils, rulers, and folders
- Buy furniture made from recycled materials
- Use reusable cups, plates, and silverware in the breakroom
- Recycle old electronics and appliances
Environmental recycling is great for the environment as well as your bottom line.
3. Reduce Energy Consumption
Reducing your energy consumption can reduce your business’s environmental impact. There are many different ways you can do this, such as:
- Turning off lights and appliances when they’re not in use
- Using natural lighting whenever possible
- Investing in energy-efficient appliances and office equipment
- Using a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature
- Educating employees about conserving energy
Ensure you incorporate the above practices into your company culture. That’s because it will help your workers be more mindful of their energy consumption. This is also a great way to reduce your business’s operational costs.
4. Create an Environmental Health and Safety Plan
Every business should have a written environmental health and safety plan. This plan outlines how you plan to protect your employees from potential hazards at work. It will also identify who handles each task and when it needs to be completed.
You should review and update your environmental health and safety plan regularly. This is especially key if your business undergoes any changes. If you don’t have an environmental health and safety plan, now is the time to create one.
You should also consider purchasing sustainable products for your business’s raw materials. For instance, if you are in the construction, oil, and gas industries, you can check out these products from RS Clare & Co. Ltd.
5. Hire an Environmental Health and Safety Specialist
Consider hiring an environmental health and safety specialist. This is key if you want your company to stay up-to-date on the latest health and safety regulations.
The specialist can develop and implement policies to protect your employees from potential hazards. They can also provide training on key safety topics. These topics include emergency preparedness, fire safety, and chemical handling.
6. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
Energy-efficient lighting can help reduce your business’s energy consumption and costs. In fact, installing energy-efficient lighting can save your business up to 40% on bills.
There are many different types of energy-efficient lighting available. You can choose the type that’s best suited for your business. Some popular options include LED lights and solar panels.
Making these small changes will help reduce your company’s environmental impact while also saving you money in the long run.
7. Encourage Carpooling or Public Transportation
Encourage your employees to carpool or take public transportation if they commute to work. This is a great way to reduce your business’s environmental impact and save money on fuel costs.
Carpooling can also help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. If you live in an area with public transportation, encourage your employees to take advantage of it. Public transportation is not only good for the environment but can also be more convenient and less stressful than driving.
8. Break the Habit of Plastic Convenience in Your Office
It’s easy to get into the habit of using disposable plastic products in the office. From coffee stirrers to straws to plastic wrap,s, many people have fallen into this habit. However, these items can end up in landfills, where they’ll take years to decompose.
These are many alternatives to disposable plastic products. For example, you can use reusable coffee cups, plates, and silverware in the breakroom. You can also purchase furniture made from recycled materials.
Adapting these small changes will significantly help reduce your business’s carbon footprint. It’s also a great way to create a more sustainable workplace and bring your employees along.
9. Conduct Appropriate Employee Training
Employee training is essential for ensuring your workplace is safe. All new employees should receive safety training before starting their job. This training should cover topics such as fire safety and emergency preparedness.
You should also conduct regular refresher courses for all employees. This will ensure that everyone is up-to-date on the latest safety procedures. Employee training can help you reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.
Start Practicing Environmental Health and Safety Today
There are many ways businesses can practice environmental health and safety. By taking the above steps, you can create a safer workplace for your employees. You can also protect the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.
Even Implementing a few tips will make a big difference in the safety of your workplace.
Are you looking for more ways to make your business more environmentally friendly? Then, check out our other blog posts.