Amer Qureshi’s Post

FM Post# 134: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (FM) – BACK TO BASICS – HEALTH & SAFETY BASICS (01 of 22) – INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES Welcome to my new series of LinkedIn articles specifically aimed at small businesses, startups, and for companies seeking guidance on initiating safety programs within their firms. Small businesses and startups often grapple with the challenge of resource allocation, making it difficult to justify the cost of a dedicated Health & Safety (H&S) Manager. However, the absence of a formal safety program doesn’t absolve any organization from its duty to its employees and visitors’ safety. A robust safety culture is the foundation upon which any successful H&S program is built. It is a shared mindset where safety is an intrinsic value, not merely a compliance obligation. For small businesses and startups, cultivating this culture is paramount given the limited resources at their disposal. LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE is indispensable. Senior management must actively champion safety, demonstrating a genuine commitment to employee well-being. This involves integrating safety discussions into regular operational meetings, performance evaluations, and strategic planning sessions. A culture of OPEN COMMUNICATION must be regularly promoted, encouraging employees to report hazards, near-misses, and incidents without fear of reprisal. RECOGNIZING & REWARDING safe behaviors is vital in reinforcing positive safety practices. EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES through safety committees is another foundational initiative. These committees, comprised of representatives from various departments, can serve as a conduit for identifying potential hazards, proposing improvements, and promoting safety awareness. However, most importantly, keep in mind that providing comprehensive SAFETY TRAININGS to committee members and to employees is absolutely critical for program effectiveness! CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION is another vital variable in any H&S equation. Regularly incorporating safety topics into company newsletters, training sessions, and team meetings keeps safety at the forefront of employees' minds. Rotating safety themes ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing various workplace hazards. By prioritizing safety culture and leadership, businesses can create a resilient organization capable of preventing accidents, protecting employees, and ultimately, driving operational success. Watch this space for more LinkedIn articles in this series. In my next post, I will discuss the pivotal role of Safety Committees in establishing a robust H&S culture within organizations. Like and Repost this article if you think your colleagues and peers will be interested in reading this post. For new topic requests or further guidance on this discussion, DM me directly.   #fm #facility #facilities #facilitymanagers #facilitymanagement #facilitiesmanagement #buildingmaintenance #ifm #tfm #corporaterealestate #propertymanager #propertymanagement #assetmanagement    

FM Post# 151: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (FM) – BACK TO BASICS – HEALTH & SAFETY BASICS (18 of 22) – SAFETY INSPECTIONS NOTE: This series of LinkedIn articles is tailored for small businesses, startups, and for businesses seeking guidance on initiating safety programs within their firms. Regular Safety Inspections in any type or size of an organisation serve as the key success factor of a proactive Health & Safety program. These inspections involve a systematic evaluation of the workplace to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Here's a breakdown of the key components of a successful inspection program: ► FREQUENCY: Determine the appropriate inspection frequency based on the nature of the business, regulatory requirements, and risk assessment ► CHECKLISTS: Create a comprehensive checklist that covers all critical areas and equipment within the workplace, and is tailored to the hazards and risks associated with the business ► INSPECTION TEAMS: Assign inspection duties to a designated safety committee or individuals with appropriate training. This team should be empowered to identify and address potential hazards ► DOCUMENTATION & CORRECTIVE ACTIONS: Document all inspection findings and take prompt corrective actions to address any identified hazards. Be sure to track progress and identify trends While regular inspections are essential, a truly effective safety culture extends far beyond these activities. Here are some additional strategies to consider: ► LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT: Demonstrate strong leadership commitment by actively participating in safety initiatives and setting a positive example for employees ► RISK ASSESSMENT: Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards and prioritize mitigation efforts. Regularly update to reflect changes in the workplace or business operations ► INCIDENT INVESTIGATION: Conduct thorough investigations of all accidents and incidents to identify root causes and implement preventive measures ► SAFETY COMMUNICATION: Promote open communication about safety matters through regular safety meetings, newsletters, and other channels. ► EMPLOYEE TRAININGS: Provide comprehensive safety training to all employees, covering topics such as emergency procedures, hazard identification, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use A strong safety culture not only protects employees but also enhances the company's reputation, reduces costs associated with accidents, and contributes to overall business success. Watch this space for more LinkedIn articles in this series… Like and Repost this article if you think your colleagues and peers will be interested in reading this post. For new topic requests or further guidance on this discussion, DM me directly.   #fm #facility #facilities #facilitymanagers #facilitymanagement #facilitiesmanagement #buildingmaintenance #ifm #tfm #realestatemanagement #corporaterealestate #propertymanager #propertymanagement #assetmanagement

FM Post# 148: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (FM) – BACK TO BASICS – HEALTH & SAFETY BASICS (15 of 22) – CONTRACTOR SAFETY NOTE: This series of LinkedIn articles is tailored for small businesses, startups, and for businesses seeking guidance on initiating safety programs within their firms. Whether a small business or large, a strong Contractor Safety Program is not merely a compliance exercise. It is a strategic investment initiative that directly impacts the well-being of employees, the reputation of the organization, and its overall operational success. Key components of a Contractor Safety Program include, but are not limited to: ►WORK AUTHORIZATION: Require all work to be initiated and completed based on formal Work Orders or Permits To Work ►WORK DISRUPTION: Implement measures to minimize the disruption of normal business operations caused by contractor activities ►SAFETY: Establish comprehensive safety requirements for all contractors working on-site, including adherence to industry standards ►QUALIFICATIONS: Require contractors to provide proof of liability insurance and relevant safety certifications, demonstrating their commitment to safety ►INDUCTION: Conduct thorough safety briefings for all contractors before they commence work, outlining your specific safety expectations and procedures ►PPE & EQUIPMENT: Ensure that contractors have access to appropriate PPEs and tools necessary for their tasks ►COMPETENCY: Verify that contractor personnel are adequately trained in the safe use of specialized equipment, such as A-ladders and scaffolding ►INSPECTIONS: Conduct regular safety inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards ►INCIDENT REPORTING: Establish a clear procedure for reporting and investigating accidents or incidents to prevent recurrence Benefits of a robust Contractor Safety Program, especially for small businesses, include: ◊ Enhances workplace safety and reduction in risk of accidents ◊ Improved employee morale and productivity ◊ Protection of the organization's reputation and brand ◊ Mitigation of legal risks and financial losses ◊ Promote a culture of safety and responsibility In today's competitive business landscape, prioritizing Contractor Safety is not just a legal obligation but a strategic imperative. Through implementation of effective safety protocols, small businesses can create a safer, more productive work environment, protect their bottom line, and build a positive reputation as a responsible corporate citizen. Watch this space for more LinkedIn articles in this series… Like and Repost this article if you think your colleagues and peers will be interested in reading this post. For new topic requests or further guidance on this discussion, DM me directly.   #fm #facility #facilities #facilitymanagers #facilitymanagement #facilitiesmanagement #buildingmaintenance #ifm #tfm #realestatemanagement #corporaterealestate #propertymanager #propertymanagement #assetmanagement  

✴ Building a Culture of Safety: Why Third-Party Assessments Matter ✴ In today's fast-paced workplace, safety isn't just a priority—it's a necessity. But how can you ensure your safety efforts are truly effective? Enter third-party safety assessments! Here's why they're a game-changer for cultivating a culture of safety within your workforce: ✅ Unbiased Evaluation: Get an objective view of your safety practices, free from internal biases or blind spots.   ✅ Fresh Perspective: External assessors can bring a fresh perspective to the organization's safety culture, challenging existing assumptions and encouraging new approaches to safety management.   ✅ Expert Insight: Benefit from the expertise of seasoned assessors who bring industry best practices and fresh perspectives to the table.   ✅ Credibility Boost: Demonstrate your commitment to safety with independent validation, building trust among employees and stakeholders.   ✅ Transparency & Accountability: Embrace transparency by inviting external scrutiny, fostering accountability for safety at all levels.   ✅ Identifying Blind Spots: Discover hidden gaps or weaknesses in your safety culture that may have slipped under the radar. ✅ Recognition: Identify and reinforce positive safety practices to help motivate others to do the same.   ✅ Continuous Improvement: Use assessment findings to drive ongoing improvement, strengthening your safety culture over time.   Building a culture of safety is important because it shapes attitudes, behaviors, communication patterns, risk perception, leadership influence, continuous improvement efforts, and organizational resilience, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier work environment for all employees.   Don't leave safety to chance. Invest in third-party assessments and pave the way for a safer, healthier, and more resilient workplace! Contact us today to schedule your next safety assessment! #SafetyFirst #CultureOfSafety #ThirdPartyAssessments

Fostering Safety Excellence: Building a Reporting Culture In the realm of workplace safety, the foundation of a truly safe environment lies in a reporting culture. It's not just a practice; it's the cornerstone for identifying and mitigating potential hazards, ensuring the well-being of every team member. 🚀 Why Building a Reporting Culture Matters: 1. Early Hazard Identification:   - A reporting culture empowers employees to identify and report hazards promptly, preventing potential accidents before they escalate. 2. Continuous Improvement:   - Reporting fosters a culture of continuous improvement. Each report becomes an opportunity to enhance safety measures, contributing to an ever-evolving and resilient safety environment. 3. Empowering Employees:   - When employees feel encouraged to report concerns without fear of reprisal, it empowers them as active participants in creating a safe working environment. 4. Preventing Recurrence:   - Timely reporting allows organizations to address issues at their roots, preventing the recurrence of incidents and fostering a proactive safety mindset. Market Spotlight: Your Safety Partner As your dedicated safety consultant, I understand the pivotal role of a reporting culture in creating a safe workplace. Let's collaborate to cultivate a culture where reporting safety concerns is not just a practice, but a shared responsibility for a safer, more resilient future. Contact TheAK: - 📧 Email: operations@theak.co - 🌐 Explore more: [www.theak.co](http://www.theak.co) 🌟 Embrace Safety: Start with Reporting Culture Together, let's build a workplace where safety is not just a priority; it's ingrained in the very fabric of your organizational culture. #ReportingCulture #SafetyFirst #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyCulture #HazardReporting #ContinuousImprovement #EmployeeEmpowerment #PreventiveSafety #SafeWorkEnvironment #TheAKSafetyPartner #SafetyConsultancy #SafetyInnovation #ProactiveSafety #SafetyMindset #WorkplaceWellbeing #SafetyResponsibility #HazardsPrevention #IncidentReporting #SafetyLeadership #ResilientSafety #SafetyExcellence #EmpowerYourTeam #SafeWorkingEnvironment #EHSConsulting #SafetyInAction #TheAKInsights #SafetyTransformation #ReportingForSafety #SafetyCollaboration #SaferTogether #CultivateSafety

SAVE THE DATES !! Take part in our latest safety briefing series - designed to elevate your understanding and implementation of workplace safety and compliance. Join our experts who have a wealth of knowledge and industry experience, supported by our EcoOnline specialists, all to bring you dynamic discussions - join us and be part of the conversation! Be a part of the full series, or select the safety briefings most relevant to your needs. #EHS #RiskAssessment #ESG #Sustainability #LoneWorking #Safety #1 Sept 4th - Behaviour based safety observation https://hubs.ly/Q02LpW0r0 #2 Sept 11th - Beyond the basics, hidden risks from unsafe acts - preventing them https://hubs.ly/Q02LpXCn0 #3 Sept 18th - Navigate success - strong partnerships with op leaders and management https://hubs.ly/Q02LpX-T0 #4 Sept 25th - Ensuring safety of your frontline lone workers https://hubs.ly/Q02LpYpy0 #5 Oct 2nd - Mastering EHS, scaling safety and compliance across complex workplaces  https://hubs.ly/Q02LpYry0

Facility safety/facility safety management have always been important but seem to be getting more and more attention. I wrote a very brief article for OHS Magazine recently - one of many sources of information about the topic; see below. The article was about some things to consider when planning to ensure an adequate program - more or less from a topical standpoint. With only so many words of space - there is much more that can be said. Culture and "approach to management" are important considerations too. Contact me for more info if you'd like. For your information - I noticed an OHS Magazine recording made by Shawn Galloway last August, available for viewers through the Magazine still - you might want to check that out also! (Search for Mastering Facility Safety Excellence: Five Core Capacities.) David Kopf

FM Post# 152: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (FM) – BACK TO BASICS – HEALTH & SAFETY BASICS (19 of 22) – RECORDKEEPING NOTE: This series of LinkedIn articles is tailored for small businesses, startups, and for businesses seeking guidance on initiating safety programs within their firms. For organizations seeking to establish robust Health & Safety (H&S) programs within their operations, creating and implementing effective Recordkeeping protocols is a crucial first step. Often neglected, comprehensive Recordkeeping serves as the backbone of a sound H&S program. H&S data records are invaluable for: ►IDENTIFYING HAZARDS: Through tracking accidents and incidents, businesses can pinpoint potential dangers and take proactive measures to eliminate or mitigate them ►MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Regular reviews of safety records help assess the effectiveness of existing safety measures and identify areas for improvement ►DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE: Accurate and up-to-date records are essential for demonstrating compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards ►SUPPORTING INVESTIGATIONS: In the event of an accident or incident, detailed records can provide valuable evidence for investigations and legal proceedings A comprehensive H&S Recordkeeping System should include: ►ACCIDENT & INCIDENT REPORTS: Detailed documentation of all accidents, injuries, and illnesses, including the circumstances, cause, and any resulting actions ►SAFETY INSPECTION REPORTS: Regular inspections of the workplace to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards ►HAZARD ASSESSMENTS: Evaluations of potential hazards in the workplace, alongwith measures to control or eliminate them ►EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS: A detailed plan outlining procedures to be followed in case of an emergency ►TRAINING RECORDS: Documentation of all safety training sessions, including participant names, dates, and topics covered Following are some best practices for effective Recordkeeping: ►DIGITISATION: Consider using digital tools to store and manage records, ensuring easy accessibility and reducing the risk of loss or damage ►CENTRALISATION: Maintain a centralized repository for all H&S records, making them easily accessible to authorized personnel ►REGULAR REVIEWS: Conduct periodic reviews of records to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of safety measures, and make necessary adjustments ►COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS: Ensure that Recordkeeping practices comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations Watch this space for more LinkedIn articles in this series… Like and Repost this article if you think your colleagues and peers will be interested in reading this post. For new topic requests or further guidance on this discussion, DM me directly.   #fm #facility #facilities #facilitymanagers #facilitymanagement #facilitiesmanagement #buildingmaintenance #ifm #tfm #realestatemanagement #corporaterealestate #propertymanager #propertymanagement #assetmanagement  

🔒 The Structure of an Effective Safety Policy & Its Importance 🔒 A well-structured safety policy is crucial for creating a safe workplace. Here’s why it’s essential and how to structure it effectively: Importance of a Safety Policy: 1. Legal Compliance Ensures adherence to laws and regulations, avoiding fines and legal issues. 2. Risk Reduction Identifies and mitigates potential hazards, preventing accidents and injuries. 3. Employee Confidence Demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being, boosting morale and productivity. 4. Standardization Provides a consistent approach to safety across the organization, reducing variability and confusion. 5. Incident Response Establishes clear protocols for responding to emergencies, minimizing damage and ensuring quick recovery. Structure of an Effective Safety Policy: 1. Introduction: * Purpose Clearly state the purpose, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to safety. * Scope Define which departments, activities, and personnel are covered. 2. Policy Statement: * Commitment A statement from top management expressing their dedication to safety. * Objectives Outline main goals, like reducing injuries and promoting a safety culture. 3. Roles and Responsibilities: * Management Detail the safety-related responsibilities of executives, managers, and supervisors. * Employees Define safety expectations for all employees. 4. Risk Assessment: * Identification Describe the process for identifying potential hazards. * Control Measures Outline measures to eliminate or control identified risks. 5. Safety Procedures: * Operational Detailed instructions for safe operation of equipment and tasks. * Emergency Clear guidelines for handling emergencies, including evacuation plans and first aid. 6. Training and Education: * Programs Describe available training programs, including initial training and periodic refreshers. * Competency Specify certifications or competencies required for certain roles. 7. Communication: * Dissemination Explain how safety information will be communicated, such as through meetings or emails. * Feedback Provide channels for employees to report hazards or suggest improvements. 8. Monitoring and Review: * Inspections Describe the schedule and process for regular safety inspections. * Improvement Detail the process for reviewing and updating the policy based on findings and feedback. 9. Documentation: * Records Specify the types of records maintained, like training logs and incident reports. * Access Define who has access to these records and how they can be obtained. By structuring your safety policy comprehensively, you address all aspects of workplace safety effectively. This not only protects employees but also enhances organizational performance. Stay proactive and prioritize safety! #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyPolicy #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #HealthAndSafety #SafetyFirst #RiskManagement #AUC #SafetyandQualityManagementOffice