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One of the greatest risks in your business is having an environment that does not support high health standards.  Claims against businesses are growing dealing with health, environmental cleaning, and wellness programs.  Therefore, this article is meant to increase the awareness for ways to prevent illnesses, diseases, viruses and other conditions in your company.  The following is a list of reminders that can be dispersed to your employees (compiled by OUTFOX Prevention):

 

1.            Wash your hands often

2.            Avoid areas where germs are known to hide out.

3.            Do not put hands in or around mouth, nose or eyes.

4.            Teach your employees and co-workers how to maintain a clean environment.

5.            Work with your Human Resources Director or to originate a set of higher hygiene standards (which will teach those around you ways to prevent the spreading of illnesses).

6.            Maintain a vaccination schedule (and make sure your employees have them done regularly).

7.            Stay home when you’re ill!

8.            Brush your teeth and conduct other normal oral hygiene.

9.            Eat a balanced diet.

10.          Get plenty of rest.

 

I have been impressed by the ease and sophistication of some of the employee health programs that are on the market.  They’re simple to learn in house and disburse to your employees.  It’s no surprise that prevention programs are rising in popularity with the price and complexity of our current healthcare system.  With the current government administration, I can only see an increased focus on employee investments that are prevention oriented.

I also suggest getting a health risk management plan together for your family, business, classroom, etc.  Every organization needs a risk management plan and someone that takes charge of the plan.  Whether it be you or someone else that is in a better capacity to continually check up on the status of health risks around you, a manager should be firmly designated.  Many companies, including the one that provided the top ten list, give you a template (and self-inspection form) that will help you maintain the highest level of safety in your immediate circumstances.  

 

If you haven’t instituted a risk management plan yet- you should start now and reduce your future healthcare costs and potential for employee claims!

This Business article was written by Benjamin David Lee on 12/24/2010

Benjamin is currently the Vice President of Customer Relations at an Excess and Surplus Insurance Company. On the side, Benjamin is a consultant and has presented twice at nationwide RPG annual meetings. He loves speaking with everyone about business and also likes to team up with other entrepreneurs. He has been a finalist for two separate business plan competitions over the last few years. Benjamin also has international experience through his business internship in London, England and a service organization in Kiev, Ukraine.