Workplace safety is not only an essential aid to employees, but it is vital to the company’s profitability, vitality, and sustainability. For example, if a company fails to conduct regular safety inspections and implement crucial protocols, an office fire could claim essential files and equipment, destroying everything this business has worked for. Worst-case scenario, potentially putting employees’ lives at risk as well as their livelihood and emotional well-being, should they escape said disaster physically unscathed.
Below is a list of the most used strategies and tools to maintain a safe workplace:
- Personal protective equipment
- Report unsafe conditions
- Hazard identification and assessment
- Safety training
- Take breaks
- Regular safety inspections and safety meetings
- Deep knowledge of tools and equipment
- Hazard prevention and control
- Safe equipment
- Clean and organized spaces
- Culture of safety and safe work practices
- Incident reporting and investigation
- Worker participation
- Be aware of surroundings
- Conduct safety drills
- Emergency response plan and preparedness
- Ensure workers have the proper equipment
- Implement safety procedures
- Keep correct posture
- Program evaluation and improvement
Let’s see what the workplace safety experts at the U.S. OSHA (official government Occupational Safety and Health Administration) have to say. According to OSHA, workplace safety maintenance, “The main goal of safety and health programs is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths, as well as the suffering and financial hardship these events can cause for workers, their families, and employers. The recommended practices use a proactive approach to managing workplace safety and health. Traditional approaches are often reactive –that is, problems are addressed only after a worker is injured or becomes sick, a new standard or regulation is published, or an outside inspection finds a problem that must be fixed. These recommended practices recognize that finding and fixing hazards before they cause injury or illness is a far more effective approach.
Safety and health programs help businesses:
- Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses
- Improve compliance with laws and regulations
- Reduce costs, including significant reductions in workers’ compensation premiums
- Engage workers
- Enhance their social responsibility goals
- Increase productivity and enhance overall business operations,”.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate assistance from a professional when necessary.
What are the three basic strategies used by OSHA?
Since its inception in the 1970s, OSHA has served as an indispensable government agency keeping employees safer and employers in business. Furthermore, by maintaining OSHA standards, it has helped companies avoid costly lawsuits that could destroy a business’s image and ultimately, its financial ability to keep its doors open.
The three basic strategies used by OSHA are:
- Strong, fair, and effective enforcement
- Outreach, education, and compliance assistance
- Partnerships, alliances, and other cooperative voluntary programs
An OSHA handout describes their beginnings and purpose in the following plain language: “The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to help employers and employees reduce injuries, illnesses and deaths on the job in America. Since then, workplace fatalities have been cut by more than 60 percent and occupational injury and illness rates have declined 40 percent. At the same time, U.S. employment has more than doubled and now includes over 115 million workers at 7.2 million worksites.
The OSH Act covers private sector employers and their employees in the 50 states and certain territories and jurisdictions under federal authority. Those jurisdictions include the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Wake Island, Johnston Island, and the Outer Continental Shelf Lands as defined in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. The OSH Act covers employers and employees either directly through Federal OSHA or through an OSHA-approved state program,”.
Does OSHA cover unions?
Thankfully, in Michigan, we have many strong unions that follow OSHA guidelines and protocols. Unions are here to protect the working people. Period. As a proud Michigander and a close friend and family member to many union workers, I understand the intrinsic purpose and importance of unions.
For instance, let’s take one of Michigan’s largest unions – the UAW (United Auto Workers), which complies with OSHA. The UAW states that, “The UAW is able to deliver high quality health and safety training free of charge (no instructor or material fees) at the worksite, on work time. This is accomplished with support from grants by the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. Training can also be delivered at union halls, regional offices or other venues in the field.
UAW training at the worksite is conducted by a full time staff and experienced peer safety trainers. These peer trainers are UAW members designated as Local Union Discussion Leaders trained in adult learning techniques,”.
The State of Michigan has the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), which adopts federal OSHA standards as well, but also maintains the authority to modify or create its own rules.
While I work in the marketing/advertising/public relations sector, we also work in conjunction with various unions on different occasions for a multitude of clients who are associated with unions for various reasons.
We have had to sit through extensive training sessions and wear hard hats just to photograph employees in a plant that the client hired us to shoot. Safety is priority one for many Michigan companies!
- Teamsters Union at the International Auto Show (International Brotherhood of Teamsters: Historically known for representing freight drivers and warehouse workers, the Teamsters’ membership has expanded to include a vast array of occupations, including public employees, aircraft mechanics, transit workers, and many other specialized roles in transportation.)
- Annual member workshop and training with the UA/Pipefitters Union (The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA) represents approximately 390,000 Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters, HVACR Service Technicians, Welders, and Pipeliners working in the construction industry throughout North America.)
- Annual members-only event and award ceremonies multi-day event. The IBEW/Electricians Union (The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) represents approximately 873,000 active members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads, and government.
- Lifestyle photography shoot with GM (General Motors) under the guidance of the UAW
- ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers). My boss has been a member and board member for many years, advocating for understanding copyright usage and ownership. With all of the changes in technology, ASMP has broadened its coverage to help all visual content creators and states that, “Whether you’re a photographer, YouTuber, filmmaker, enthusiast, or a student who wants a career in the fast-changing and diverse visual content creation landscape, ASMP is built to help you succeed. Together, our community of nearly 7,000 Members provides a platform for education, advocacy, and meaningful change,”.
How can workplace safety be maintained
In conclusion, whether a company is unionized or privately owned, workplace safety must be maintained at the highest levels and considered a top priority.
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