As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your employees are safe both inside and outside the office. This should help to keep them safe from potential hazards while also protecting your business interests. While you may not be able to control everything that happens in their personal lives, there are steps you can take to minimize the risks they face when interacting with the public. Here are some tips on how to keep your employees safe outside the office:
1. Educate your employees on safety precautions.
Education is key when it comes to keeping your employees safe. Make sure they are aware of the potential dangers they may face while working or interacting with the public. Review your company’s safety policies with them regularly. Additionally, provide them with training on how to handle dangerous situations.
2. Provide them with resources for their own safety.
Give your employees the resources they need to stay safe. This may include items like pepper spray or a personal alarm. Additionally, you should keep a list of contacts that can come in handy in an emergency. This should include an Uber accident attorney for employees who rideshare to work, medical professionals who provide emergency services, and law enforcement.
3. Create a policy that requires them to check-in.
If your employees are going to be working off-site, require them to check in with you or a designated manager regularly. This will help you to keep track of their whereabouts and ensure that they are safe. When creating this policy, include specific instructions on how and when they should check-in. Write clear and concise check-in procedures to avoid confusion.
4. Encourage your employees to use common sense.
While you can’t control everything, you can encourage your employees to use common sense when they are out in public. This includes being aware of their surroundings, avoiding dangerous areas, and not putting themselves in unnecessary risks. If they are going to be working late, suggest that they travel in pairs or groups. This will help deter potential dangers and make it easier for them to get help if something happens.
5. Offer a safe ride home.
If your employees are working late or drinking, offer them a safe ride home. This can help to prevent accidents and ensure that they make it home safely. You can either provide them with a ride home yourself or reimburse them for using a ridesharing service. You want to ensure that your employees have a safe and reliable way to get home, so consider offering this perk.
6. Offer a safety bonus.
Incentivize your employees to follow safety precautions by offering a safety bonus. This can be a monetary bonus or an additional day off. Employees are more likely to follow safety procedures if they know there is something in it for them. By offering a safety bonus, you can help to ensure that your employees are taking the necessary precautions to stay safe. Work with your HR department to create a bonus system that works for your company.
7. Keep communication open.
Communication is key when it comes to keeping your employees safe. Make sure they feel comfortable coming to you with any concerns or questions they may have. Additionally, keep the lines of communication open between you and their families. This way, everyone will be on the same page in case of an emergency.
8. Review your safety policies regularly.
You should review your safety policies regularly to ensure that they are up-to-date and effective. When reviewing your policies, be sure to take into account any changes in the workplace or in the world that could impact your employees’ safety. Additionally, be sure to consult with your employees to get their feedback on the policies. By regularly reviewing your safety policies, you can help to ensure that they are meeting the needs of your employees.
9. Be prepared for emergencies.
No one ever wants to think about an emergency happening, but it’s important to be prepared just in case. Have a plan in place for how you will communicate with your employees in the event of an emergency. Try to anticipate any potential problems that could arise and plan how to deal with them. By being prepared, you can help ensure that your employees are safe in an emergency.
Employees face a variety of dangers when they are outside the office. By creating a policy that requires them to check in regularly, encouraging them to use common sense, and offering a safe ride home, you can help to keep your employees safe. Additionally, you should review your safety policies regularly and be prepared for emergencies. By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your employees are safe when they are away from the office.