As a Safety Professional, a Hazardous Materials Manager and an authorized OSHA Construction Standards Outreach Trainer, I’m trained on multiple levels to recognize compliance-driven occupational safety violations. However, what does it take to change laws and habits that affect workers and citizens? In our society and legal system it seems that, yes, someone (or many) has to tragically die before change and regulation are considered. When it comes to saving lives at work, on the road or at home, we are a reactive society. We don’t do anything until we have determined the cost of safety: the value of life versus the cost of fixing the dangerous condition. And, just how much is a life worth these days? And who is going to pay the costs of training, new equipment, and enforcement of regulation or practices?
Has your facility received a phone call from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) asking you to provide information on the chemicals that you use and what measures you have in place to ensure that those chemicals do not fall into the wrong hands? If so, you are not alone. The DHS is currently reviewing other government databases to determine what facilities in the United States are using “chemicals of interest.”
Dr. Michaels states that OSHA needs to transform how it addresses workplace hazards, and in its relationship to employers and workers. As such he outlines a new strategy that is a clear shift from recent years indicating that there is a “new sheriff in town” and business (ALL businesses) should take heed. Here are some of my extrapolations and thoughts regarding 6 of these transformational items — consider how they will affect your business or workplace.
How can you reduce the costs of the surprise water problem? Plan now — whether it is for rain and flooding that may occur due to weather conditions or for the pipe break that always happens unexpectedly. Knowing who to call to determine the scope of the problem and who can implement the recommended response will save you significant time, money, property and hassle.