Question: A couple of on-the-job accidents have sent insurance rates soaring for other business owners I know. Maybe its time I got more serious about safety at my own business. Who can help us get a safety program started?
Answer: June is National Safety Month and there's no better time to get a safety program going. Accidents can hurt your business in many ways, including lost productivity as well as government fines and possible legal troubles. Here are some resources that can deliver the safety solutions you need.
The National Safety Council (NSC) is an excellent source of workplace safety tips and information. This non-profit organization operates under a federal charter and is one of the nation's leading safety resources. NSC offers posters and banners, safety publications, software, training programs and videos. The "workplace" section of the Web site has helpful information for small business in areas such as driver safety and ergonomics. NSC offers a helpful emergency preparedness package and has good info on proper use and handling of a long list of chemicals (see Chemical Backgrounders in the Library section). Visit the Web site at www.nsc.org. NSC is based in Itasca, IL and can be reached at (630) 285-1121; e-mail customerservice@nsc.org.
SafetyNext, a division of Business & Legal Reports, Inc., is a handy Web site offering a wide range of safety advice and answers. There's a safety library, a safety product guide and safety tools such as talks, forms, policies and checklists you can download. This is also a place to find safety consultants and vendors. Visit the Web site at www.safetynext.com or call (860) 510-0100.
Digital 2000 produces affordable safety training videos, DVDs and CD-ROMs for small business. Hundreds of topics cover everything from ladders, hand tools and heavy equipment, to online safety, chemicals and almost any occupation you can think of. Check the video index at the Web site for an A to Z listing. Most sell for $69 to $99. Visit the Web site at www.trainingprofessionals.com. Call (800) 334-1523; e-mail: products@digital-2000.com.
The Tools & Tips section of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Web site has excellent information on workplace safety programs, how to deal with OSHA, insurance needs, handling a crisis, accident prevention and more. There's a long list of articles on employee safety, including "Six Ways to Keep Employees Safe on the Road," an "Employee Safety Checklist" and "Managing Emotions in the Workplace." At www.nfib.com, click on Tools & Tips, and then look under Workplace Safety. You do not have to be an NFIB member to access this information.
Although many businesses consider OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration) the enemy, this federal safety enforcement agency (under the U.S. Department of Labor) can also be a useful resources for free safety consultation services and information. The OSHA on-site Consultation Program can help you find and fix potential health and safety hazards before accidents occur. The consultation service also helps businesses establish health and safety programs. For a list of state-by-state contacts, go to www.osha.gov/oshdir/consult.html. Visit the OSHA small business page at www.osha.gov/smallbusiness.
Texas America Safety Company (TASCO) has good prices and secure online ordering for safety products of all kinds, from glasses and hardhats, to earplugs and posters. See the site at www.tasco-safety.com or call (800) 646-5346; e-mail sales@tasco-safety.com
SafetyPlan Builder is a software program from Jian that can help you quickly create an injury and illness prevention program for your business. SafetyPlan covers 44 categories, from electrical and fire safety to infection control and lasers. Software is downloadable only and costs $149. Visit the Jian Web site at www.jian.com or call (800) 346-5426.
Web Soft Solutionsis another good resource for safety products and supplies. Check out their selection at the Web site (www.websoft-solutions.com) or call (866) 272-1334.
