May 26, 2004—Business expenditures to ensure workplace safety may initially seem to subtract from a company’s bottom line. But, in fact, just the opposite is true, says a safety expert at G.Neil Corp.
“Workplace safety is an investment that pays employers back every day,” said Keith Lauby, safety manager at Sunrise, Fla.-based G.Neil. “It pays through reduced accidents, lower workers’ comp rates, and improved productivity.”
As businesses across the US prepare to celebrate National Safety Month in June, Lauby advises all organizations make the investment to enhance workplace safety:
“Safety, OSHA compliance, and all it encompasses can seem imposing. A lot of people don’t know where to start, or what to look for,” he explained. “Confusion is understandable, because safety is composed of a lot of different elements, but it’s easier than it looks.”
G.Neil has provided safety products to more than 1 million customers for the past 15 years. Lauby and other company safety experts recommend a three-pronged approach to enhancing workplace safety:
- Compliance: protect employees from physical and chemical dangers, as required by OSHA.
- Awareness: be proactive and educate employees.
- Preparedness: ensure responsiveness to emergencies.
“The first crucial step,” Lauby said, “is to conduct a complete, thorough walk-through of your facility. Check the walls, floors, first-aid kits and fire extinguishers. Ask managers if they have the documentation to show the appropriate employees have been trained in forklift safety, bloodborne pathogens or hazardous chemicals in your workplace.”
Lauby advises scrutinizing a different aspect of workplace safety every week so you don’t overlook a significant threat.
“Safety information is only useful if employees read it and retain it. Instead of making them struggle with OSHA jargon, legal terminology, and wordy regulations, use quick-read posters or videos. It’s your obligation as the employer to provide them a safe workplace.”
G.Neils Website provides safety advice, compliance resources, and an HR Advisor to answer any questions free of charge.
