Workplace injuries affect employees and companies. Therefore, business owners should create a safe environment. This includes indoor and outdoor protection. Learn how to use walkway covers to prevent workplace accidents by reading this comprehensive guide. You don’t want to miss this beneficial information!
Common Workplace Injury
Did you know that trips, slips, and falls make up one-third of workplace injuries? They’re also the top injury for worker’s compensation claims. When employees encounter these types of mishaps, they may break bones, experience bruising, or suffer from head and back pain. Not only is this a painful ordeal for workers, but this affects the overall workplace.
Company owners and upper management must file injury paperwork and aid the injured employee. In some cases, upset workers choose to sue companies or take time off work. Both of these impact daily workflow. When companies lose a worker, it’s challenging to find a replacement, especially if people are hesitant about safety culture.
To minimize injuries, all companies have safety protocols and rules that employees must follow. However, businesses must contribute to workplace safety by creating a secure environment. People want to work without fear of hurting themselves on the job. It’s up to business owners to construct a suitable workplace.
What Does a Secure Environment Look Like?
Depending on the industry, a secure environment looks different for every business. For example, a secure environment for construction workers includes protective gear and designated work zones. A reliable workplace for office workers includes buildings up to code and rules that follow state regulations.
Company Responsibilities
Business owners, managers, and all higher-ups contribute to the company safety culture. Employees are less likely to get hurt when people emphasize rules or instill best practices. Providing safety manuals and signage inside the workplace is helpful. Furthermore, taking extra precautions and considering external factors is also important.
Companies are responsible for creating safety policies, following industry standards, and providing equipment to ensure employees’ well-being. Not only does a safe workplace prevents injuries, but it also protects the company. No one wants to deal with lawsuits or experience high turnover because workers don’t feel safe—lower injury and illness costs by protecting the environment.
How Weather Contributes to Injuries
As previously mentioned, companies should consider external factors while creating policies and ensuring their employees’ well-being. In particular, the weather is a major consideration for workplace injuries. For instance, the wintertime is a common season for slips and falls. Icy and snowy grounds make it easy to fall outside. If businesses don’t shovel or place rock salt on the ground, they increase their chances of employees injuring themselves. Fortunately, a quick fix for this issue are walkway covers!
What Is a Walkway Cover?
A walkway cover is a large canopy on top of an external path. Typically, workplaces, hospitals, and schools have walkway covers leading to the entrance of their buildings. However, you can also use the covers to shield outdoor tables and seats. Ranging in size and length, companies can select a cover that protects their employees from snow, rain, wind, and sun. A shield is a smart tool for businesses interested in enhancing their outdoor safety.
Companies can use walkway covers to prevent workplace accidents like outdoor slips and falls. Since the cover shields walkways, business owners don’t have to worry about weather conditions affecting external paths. Employees can freely walk inside buildings without fear of slipping on ice or rain puddles. Additionally, the cover prevents excess sun exposure. This minimizes sunburns or flare-ups with sun-sensitive conditions like Lupus or Porphyria.
Benefits of Walkway Covers
Although simplistic in function, walkway covers are an essential part of buildings. Here are some benefits of these great additions:
- Protects employees and customers from outdoor slips and falls. They offer easy access to buildings year-round.
- Improves drop-off areas. A walkway cover increases comfort and accessibility as people can exit their vehicles and enter buildings without weather disruptions.
- They’re low maintenance. Manufacturers construct the covers to endure various environmental conditions. Therefore, walkway covers are durable with minimal maintenance.
- Enhance outdoor areas. Companies can cover tables and benches outside if employees choose to eat or smoke outdoors.
- Make buildings look better. The architectural design of walkway covers enhances the appearance of buildings. From the parking lot to the entry way, companies will enjoy the upgraded look.
Add Windscreens for Increased Protection
Walkway covers are great additions to buildings. Furthermore, windscreens increase the cover’s protection and improves the appearance. Protect employees and customers from freezing rain, windy weather, and snow! Visitors can enter and exit buildings without harsh winds blowing in their direction. Windscreens are perfect for fall and winter, but they’re an overall awesome addition year-round.
Other Ways To Enhance Workplace Safety
Of course, indoor safety is a priority for all businesses. However, outdoor safety is equally important. Other than installing a walkway cover, there are ways to enhance outdoor protection. Check out these wonderful suggestions:
- Always maintain the building. Reduce the chance of fallen structural components like bricks or shingles.
- Use labels and signs to warn employees about outdoor precautions like a slippery parking lot.
- Install LED lights to illuminate entryways and outdoor areas. This is ideal for evening visitors or night staff.
- Warn employees about upcoming external work. For example, let workers know about construction or changes to the building. This prevents walking into active construction zones.
- Keep outdoor areas clean and debris-free. A unkept entryway and outdoor lot can contribute to injuries.
- Consider hiring security personnel or a parking lot attendant. Someone can keep an eye on employees and customers visiting the company.
Improving Your Company’s Safety Culture
Workplace safety is an essential component of any business. Companies create policies to minimize injuries and help employees thrive. Please note that safety culture goes beyond giving workers an employee manual or a crash course on safety. Business owners must prioritize employee welfare every day.
It starts from the top, as workers look to leadership members to set a positive example. When leaders follow the rules and protocols, employees will also follow them. Business owners can educate their team on the importance of safety and discuss preventative tactics.
One of the best preventative tactics is installing walkway covers. There’s nothing worse than injuring yourself before entering the building. To ensure a good passageway, the covers protect visitors from weather conditions. This proves that companies prioritize their worker’s well-being to and from their buildings.
Ultimately, improved safety culture and walkway covers make any workplace a better and safer place!
Purchase a Handi Hut Walkway Cover
We’ve got you covered. Handi Hut has rust-proof adonized aluminum shelters that will cover any walkway! Customize the perfect cover for your building and enjoy Handi Hut’s quick installation. As the seasons transition, enhance your company’s outdoor protection. Contact us today to start your order!
