Year-End Review and EHS Resolutions

The end of the year is an ideal time for companies to reflect and make resolutions for the upcoming year. As the new year approaches, it's crucial to identify work goals and develop strategies to achieve them. Communicating these goals to colleagues and employees can engage them and help them develop into larger objectives. Read more below to find out how a little reflection can help set goals for a safer New Year and beyond.

New Year's Safety Resolutions

Many people make resolutions to start the new year off right. As we all ponder what we want to do differently in the upcoming year, it's important to focus on enhancing health and safety at work.

Putting aside financial goals, businesses should make sure that their working environments are secure and risk-free for their employees. In 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 5,190 employees died on the job and 2.6 million workers were injured. You can avoid accidents by setting and remaining committed to resolutions and goals for workplace safety. Here are some suggestions on where to begin:

• Conduct an honest self-evaluation. Examine any mistakes or accidents that may have been prevented and suggest areas for improvement.
• Set clear, quantifiable goals that are important, relevant to your field, and meaningful, inspiring, or rewarding to you.
• Make a list. Make a brief list of achievable goals to ensure the year starts on the right foot. Use this list to track your progress during the year.
• Use your resources to your advantage. You are not alone in your efforts to make the workplace a safer place to work. Your coworkers, supervisor, and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) services are all involved in reaching your safety goals and resolutions.

Tips for Starting the New Year Safely

Aside from setting specific goals at the start of each year, you should also take the time to brush up on safe work practices, such as:

• Before beginning your work, conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA) to identify any potential risks or hazards.  
• Before every use, inspect your tools and equipment to verify they are in good working order.
• Notify your supervisor immediately if you notice an unsafe condition or action.
• Check that your safety training is up to date.

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