4: HRM Strategies to Improve Workplace Safety

 

Moving from Risk to Action

After understanding the different risks in the vending machine industry, the next step is to consider how these risks can be reduced or managed effectively. This is where Human Resource Management (HRM) plays a key role.

In my understanding, safety does not improve simply by identifying risks. It improves when organisations take practical steps to manage those risks and ensure that employees follow safe practices in their daily work. However, one of the biggest challenges is that having policies alone is not enough. Many organisations already have safety guidelines, but the real issue is whether those guidelines are consistently followed in practice.

Improving Manual Handling Practices

• One of the most common risks in the vending industry is related to lifting and carrying heavy equipment. This means that improving manual handling practices should be a top priority.

  Organisations can take several steps to reduce these risks:

  • Provide proper training on safe lifting techniques
  • Encourage employees to use correct posture when lifting
  • Use mechanical aids such as trolleys and lifting equipment
  • Promote team lifting instead of individual lifting

Managing Fatigue and Workload

• Another important issue in the vending industry is fatigue, especially for employees who travel frequently between locations.

  Fatigue can affect:

  • Concentration
  • Decision-making
  • Reaction time

  This increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly when driving or handling equipment.

  To address this, organisations should:

  • Plan realistic work schedules
  • Avoid assigning too many tasks within a short time
  • Ensure employees take regular breaks
  • Monitor working hours

Equipment and Forklift Safety

• The use of equipment such as forklifts and lifting tools can reduce physical effort, but it also introduces new risks.

  To manage these risks, organisations should:

  • Provide proper training and certification for equipment use
  • Ensure that only qualified employees operate machinery
  • Carry out regular maintenance checks
  • Establish clear procedures for loading and unloading

   Equipment is helpful, but only when it is used correctly. Without proper training, it can become a major source of accidents.

Electrical Safety for Technicians

• Technicians in the vending industry work with machines that operate using electricity. This makes electrical safety a critical area.

  To reduce risks, organisations should:

  • Provide specialised technical training
  • Ensure the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Implement procedures such as switching off power before repairs
  • Avoid high-risk tasks being carried out alone

Even the best safety policies will not work if:

• Employees feel pressured
• Safety is not prioritised by management

This means HR must focus on building a strong safety culture, not just rules

In my view, improving safety in the vending machine industry requires a combination of:

• Practical actions
• Strong management support
• Employee involvement

 The most important point is that:
safety should be part of everyday work, not just something discussed in policies

When organisations take safety seriously and support their employees, they not only reduce risks but also improve overall performance.

• CIPD (2022) Health and wellbeing at work survey report. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.