10 Reasons Why Safety is Important
Provided by Curt Speck, President of Safety Resources Company of Ohio and SCSC Steering Committee Member
Why should you implement workplace safety programs?
Some might answer “Because OSHA requires it.”, and while that might be partially true, it’s not the whole story. Workplace safety programs provide a number of benefits, including increased productivity, highly engaged workforces, reduced costs of operation, and more.
First, safety programs help to foster more productive work environments. By creating a strong safety culture on the job, workers are able to perform their tasks confidently without fear of injury. This allows them to accomplish more because they are not second guessing their tasks as they perform them. This causes a ripple effect of increasing employee job satisfaction and reducing absenteeism because employees have a safer work environment. Well implemented programs that draw from employee feedback also give workers a sense of ownership in their work environments, and this pride can boost morale even further. The benefits of protecting your most valuable assest, your workers, can never be overstated. Additionally, there are significant financial benefits to a well implemented safety program as well. Happier, safer workers are less likely to be absent or injured, which reduces turnover rates. Training new workers is costly, so anything that helps you retain valuable experience is a boon to your bottom line. The same goes for the increased productivity. Not only will your workers have more to be proud of with their work, but your business will be able to accomplish more. Safe work environments also cost less to operate. Combining the effects of lower productivity and morale, the costs of training new workers due to high turnover, the costs of higher insurance premiums and worker’s compensation claims, without having safety programs is like gambling, with terrible odds and no winnings. Don’t forget your client’s perspectives. Customers trust businesses who protect their workers, and are less likely to do business with those who do not. When a potential client sees that you take the extra steps to ensure employee’s safety, they have reason to believe that you will take that same care for them. Nothing is more valuable than earning your customers trust, and nothing demonstrates that more effectively than a genuine commitment to protecting the people who work for you. Some people hesitate to implement safety programs because they cost money at first, and that much is true. True safety isn’t free, but it’s a lot cheaper than the alternative.
NOTE DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 16
Spotlight Company:
featuring Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost BUY TICKETS OR DONATE TO LAW OFFICERS
Wed. 3/29
First Christian Church
Event details continued page 2-3
SCSC MONTHLY LUNCHEON SERIES: distracted driving
Thurs. 3/16/23
11:30 aM - 1 Pm alex d. krassas event center
SCSC Luncheon: NEW Distracted Driving Law and Traffic Safety
NOTE DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 16 due to Ohio Safety Congress
Join us March 16 with Ohio State Troopers Shannon Mohney and Vance Norton.
Learn about the NEW distracted driving law which goes into effect in April 2023 as well as other traffic safety issues in the workplace and community.
REGISTER ONLINE
You do not need to be a SCSC member to attend - all are welcome! Season passholders do NOT need to register.
Spotlight Company:
FY24 REBATE AND SEASON PASS DETAILS COMING SOON!
wednesday, march 29
8 am - 9:30 am Registration 7:30 am
Join us for the Annual Crime Prevention Breakfast and Awards featuring keynote speaker Ohio Attorney General, Dave Yost. Awards will be given for the Canton City Police Department O ce of the Year, Stark County Sheri ’s O ce Deputy of the Year, Community Police O cer of the Year, and the Stark County Crime Prevention Citizen of the Year.
The Crime Prevention Breakfast is a special opportunity to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication by Stark County law enforcement agencies.
You can support and honor these individuals, by purchasing tickets for yourself, or donating tickets to local law enforcement o cers who are invited to participate.
Question: Do I need fall protection on a scissors lift?
Answer: The short answer is NO, in terms of a harness and lanyard. OSHA only requires the use of the guardrails. However, some employers and contractors make it a requirement on their worksites. It’s also important to provide training to operators of Scissors Lifts. The training requirements are found under the Scaffolding Standard. OSHA requires that operators be familiar with and trained in the following:
• The nature of any electrical hazards, fall hazards and falling object hazards in the work area
• The proper use of the lift, and the proper handling of materials on the lift
• The maximum intended load and the load-carrying capacities of the lift used
• The nature of Scissor Lift hazards
• The correct procedures for erecting, disassembling, moving, operating, repairing, inspecting, and maintaining the type of Scissors Lift being used
For more comprehensive information on Scissors Lifts. Refer to ANSI A92.22 & A92.24 Mobile Elevating Work Platform Standards
Registration is now open for the 2023 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo® (OSC23®)! OSC23® returns live and in-person to the Greater Columbus Convention Center March 8-10.
A select number of educational sessions will be livestreamed, offering the flexibility to attend how you choose. Visit the OSC23® website to register for the event.
With over 100 educational sessions from leading experts and nearly 200 exhibitors waiting to connect in the Expo Marketplace, there is something for everyone at OSC23®.
Join representatives from employers and government across the country to discover strategies and tools for a healthy, safe, and productive workforce.
