Even for those who truly
appreciate the holiday season, it is undeniable that our lives become
filled with a range of obligations, which can serve as distractions from
our everyday work. While some distraction may be welcome this time of
year, we may also become distracted from our basic safety standards, and
this phenomenon exists through all levels and departments of a
business.
Statistics from several
sources, both public and private, show that accidents increase during
the holiday season on the roads, in homes and at work. And when they
occur at work, it should be of major concern to business owners,
executives and management.
In a joint effort by
Michigan OSHA and the Department of Licensing, employers were asked to
pay particularly close attention to workplace safety. "There is no
better way to recognize workers than by protecting their safety through a
comprehensive and effective safety plan at every job site," stated Deputy Director Stephanie Comai."When
companies include workplace safety and health in their corporate
strategy-they not only protect their workers, they also produce better
products and add greater value to our economy."
The holiday season is a
great time to implement an annual reassessment of safety standards and
practices. Serious accidents can be prevented when a concise safety plan
has been developed, implemented and practiced, which can lead to
several benefits, including lower workers' compensation payments,
increased productivity and higher employee morale.
According to Federal
OSHA, employers reap a return of $4 to $6 for every dollar invested in
workplace safety, and this offsets the $40 billion in direct costs of
workplace and jobsite accidents and workers' compensation losses of up
to $230 billion incurred each year. In addition, violations for not
complying with state and federal regulations may result in thousands of
dollars in penalties, even if you were unaware.
New regulations and
updated standards may occur with very little notice, but you can keep
abreast of the latest news and safety practices by engaging in annual
review or training program. OSHA offers free, confidential consultations
for small to mid-size businesses, and variety of resources and programs
can be found through private organizations and trade associations, such
as the Marble Institute of America (MIA) and the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA).
Once again, please drop us a line with any questions, concerns or statements, and all of us here at CountertopResource.com wish you a happy and safe holiday season.
Sincerely,
Brian Jones, Editor
www.CountertopResource.com info@countertopresource.com
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