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?
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.
Every year there are millions of preventable home-related incidents and accidents “that result in nearly 20,000 deaths and 21 milion medical visits”. Paula Kaufmann, Certified Industrial Hygienist, makes observations about safety all around us — not just for the workplace.
Absenteeism is costly to American employers whether it is caused by an illness or injury on or off the job. As a result, there is a growing trend among employers to create “Wellness Programs” aimed at keeping their employees healthy so that they will return to work each day and remain productive. Do you practice home safety? Have you considered applying workplace safety training and practices at home?
Does your company have employees that work on, near or over water
Capt. John DeFillippo, CHMP, EMT-B
The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. It’s never too late and kids should learn to treat the water with respect at an early age. As a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, an EMT and a licensed captain working in marine salvage, I’ve seen my share of tragedies on the water. Sadly, nearly all were avoidable. Here are some tips to