Workplace health and safety play an important role in the success of a business. They not only help prevent and address accidents and emergencies but also make employees feel safer and, consequently, more engaged and valued.
Numerous elements play a role in workplace safety. In this post, we’ll be looking at safety mirrors, why they are important, and how you can use them at your place of business.
Why Do You Need a Safety Mirror?
Safety mirrors are a necessity in warehouses, large industrial sites, or any area where machinery or vehicles will need the best possible visibility in order to avoid accidents.
They can also be very useful in smaller, less dangerous spaces too. Here are their benefits:
They Can Help Prevent Crime
Safety and security mirrors are installed in shops and in high-frequency areas, helping security personnel keep an eye out for shoplifters. In an office space, they can serve the same purpose. If you often welcome clients or visitors to your premises, a safety mirror can ensure that no items walk out in someone’s pockets.
They can also be a great deterrent in parking lots. Walking to your car alone in the dark can be quite frightening. If your employees can see what’s going on behind them in cleverly placed safety mirrors, they’ll feel a lot safer.
They Can Prevent Accidents
Speaking of parking lots and driveways, safety mirrors are a great way to help minimize accidents and injuries. First and foremost, they will allow your employees to see any cars or other vehicles coming their way, so they will easily be able to move and adjust their direction.
This will ensure that no accidents happen on your premises, or at the very least that the ones that do happen are not as serious, as people are able to break on time.
This is a great way to help your stressed or distracted employees feel a bit more safe and taken care of.
Safety mirrors can also prevent falls and slips, especially in colder weather when there may be ice on the road or in the parking lot. Drivers will be able to spot a patch of ice on time and navigate it more carefully.
They Are a Low-Cost, Durable Investment
Compared to some other security systems, safety mirrors are quite inexpensive. They are also highly durable and can last you decades, provided that you choose the right mirrors for the job.
Once you install them, you won’t need to service them. They may need to be wiped and cleaned, depending on how exposed they are, but that’s the extent of your involvement necessary. You’ll also just need to check that they are still angled correctly from time to time.
They Are Environmentally Friendly
Safety mirrors don’t require any electricity or gas to run, and they can be manufactured from recycled materials. You don’t need to hire someone to maintain them, and given their longevity, they are very likely to serve you quite a long time.
If you are also able to recycle them or put them to some decorative use after they’ve served their purpose, you will be contributing to the health of the planet even more.
They Are Easy to Use
Safety mirrors are very straightforward and easy to use. You don’t need to offer your staff training or teach them how to use some new piece of equipment. You can very quickly teach them how to determine the direction a vehicle or person is coming from, if they don’t know already.
Most active drivers or those who have passed their driving test will likely already be very familiar with them.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Safety Mirror
As with everything else in business, choosing the right tool for the job can make all the difference. Here is what you need to know about the different types of safety mirrors and the materials they are made of.
Types of Safety Mirrors
Different types of safety mirrors serve different purposes. They have different shapes and curves, helping you see around corners.
Convex mirrors are slightly rounded and provide an angled view. They are great for positioning at risky corners, and you can also fit them to vehicles or machines. Driveway mirrors are this type of safety mirror. You should place them around your parking lot or at the exits to the street to ensure your employees can drive around the premises safely.
Dome mirrors are quite similar and very useful in limited spaces or tight corners. They can even provide a 180° view if you need one.
If you are unsure what type of model you need or where best to place it, consult the company you want to make a purchase from. They will have the expertise and experience needed to help you choose the right safety mirror for your specific needs.
Different Materials Available
Safety mirrors are made of a variety of materials and for a wide range of purposes. Some of them are meant to be used exclusively indoors, for example, in warehouses, and are thus made from less durable materials. Others are more suitable for outdoor use.
Your choice of mirror will depend on the nature of your business and the environment you are trying to make safer.
For example, stainless steel safety mirrors are a great choice for any space where they will be exposed to the elements. On the other hand, acrylic safety mirrors are much lighter, but they are not shatterproof and will pose a risk when broken. Glass safety mirrors provide the best visibility but are also the most fragile.
Wrapping Up
Now that you understand the importance of safety mirrors more, it’s time to consider how and where you should install them on your own premises. Do some more research to choose the right makes and models. Consult a safety expert if you are unsure how best to proceed, to make sure you are complying with all local laws and regulations.
