Committing To Safety

Safety does actually cost to implement and manage; however it is still less expensive in the long run, when compared to the costs of injuries, lost productivity and possible litigation.  There should be a commitment to safety from the top down and from the bottom up since everyone is impacted by the failure to provide a safe working environment for both staff and customers alike.  Most governmental agencies will require a written safety program be in place.  

Consider the following suggestions:

• How safe is the current work environment?  Can it be improved?  What risks can be mitigated immediately and which can be dealt with over time?

• What do employees on the front line think is unsafe?

• What injuries have occurred in the last 12-60 months and has systems been implemented to keep them from happening again?

• Do you have documented training of all staff on safe use of equipment, chemicals and tools?

• Do you have a system in place to reprimand workers who fail to follow safe practices as they were trained to do?

• Do you and management lead by example by using gloves, masks, etc. when appropriate?

• How are workers who report hazardous conditions treated?  

• How prompt is management in responding to worker concerns?

• How supportive is the customer to following safe practices?

• Do you provide all necessary PPE’s (personal protective equipment) to staff at no charge to them?

Please note the preceding is suggestive only since regulations will vary by government entity.  It is highly recommended that reader consult with local SME (subject matter experts) on any safety related topic and use the preceding as a starting point.  Go to www.osha.gov for more information or use a search engine for local and state regulations.  

Your comments and questions are always welcome. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean…

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.