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Guide to Improving Workplace Safety
Safety shortfalls cost you money and put your business in jeopardy
By Jennifer Baljko
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Paying close attention to workplace safety isn't just good for business, it's the law. Legally, you are bound by state and federal regulations that spell out how you, as an employer, must provide a set standard of health and safety within your company. Beyond that, safety also makes good financial sense, providing benefits in lower insurance costs and greater productivity. If you are in the process of creating a workplace safety program, or are reviewing what you already have in place, here's what you need to know: - Analyze everything from individual workstations to front entry door mats
- Determine where the potential for injury or illness exists
- Develop a safety program that acknowledges a range of different scenarios for potential harm, for example, injuries caused by repetitive motion or illnesses brought on by mold
- Teach employees about injury and illness prevention and instruct them on what they should do if something goes wrong
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
 Know where you stand
Know the key factors that should be included in a safe workplace environment and figure out how to incorporate best practices.
I recommend: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are useful places to obtain basics of health and safety requirements.
Make a list and check it twice
Sketch out a comprehensive program, allocate the time and resources necessary to develop it and then follow up with employee education.
I recommend: The Nonprofit Risk Management Center provides a how-to guide and checklist for setting up a program. This OSHA survey will also tell you how your program measures up and shows areas where you can make improvements.
Get a consultation
If you're still not quite sure if you are on the right tract, OSHA provides a free consultation to small businesses. During this visit, they will pinpoint risks.
I recommend: See details about how the OSHA consultation works.
Shop for the things you need
There are a number of online stores where you can buy safety manuals, videos, booklets, safety glasses, fire extinguishers and a host of other related items.
I recommend: Workplace Safety Store is where you'll find a long list of useful items that will help you comply with health and safety rules.
Stay up to date on the law
Laws are always changing and new policies are constantly being adopted.
I recommend: Cornell Law School has some updated information as well a broad look of existing legislation.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Know what you are supposed to be reporting. While many companies will have to keep good records about their safety and health initiatives and on-site incidents, there are companies, depending on their size and industry served, that may be exempt from those requirements. OSHA has some advice on that front.
The official source of Improving Workplace Safety is the OSHA page at Business.com
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Information for safety professionals and trainers, including certificate programs, regulatory compliance training, employee training, best safety practices and management programs, supervisor training, roadway workzone training, online training, and custom training at your worksite.
Using a free consultation service largely funded by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers can find out about potential hazards at their worksites, improve their occupational safety and health management systems.
National provider of occupational safety advice for business, industry, construction and all organizations interested in safety on the job.
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Offers video safety training kits and colorful safety posters.
Provider of workplace safety training kits, labor law posters, and written safety plans.
Team of dedicated safety consulting professionals whose practice is the structure and implementation of workplace safety, corporate loss control and regulatory compliance.
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Workplace safety articles on a variety of topics.
Government agency that seeks to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.
Providing national and world leadership to prevent work-related illness and injury.
An employers online toolkit to protect employees and volunteers.
Over 6000 pages of safety information for business and industry.
Department of Labor site devoted to workplace health and safety.
List of articles and resources related to providing safe workplace environments.
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