Work safety organizations provide services to nearly every kind of workplace. Whether you run a construction company or a nail salon, most businesses must comply with safety regulations in some form or another. It's always a good idea to have an affiliation with work safety organizations since they help prevent small injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, or life-threatening accidents and even death.

OSHA — Occupational Safety and Health Administration –- is the authority in worker safety organizations and provides all businesses with standards and regulations promoting workplace safety. Businesses with 11 or more staff members must keep strict accounts of all work-related injuries or illnesses. OSHA has a list of well-defined hazards which include chemical toxins, illnesses and specific physical activity.

Find a workplace safety organization to help your business:

1. Set up a plan to avoid workplace-related injury;

2. Find an industry-specific plan, including workplace safety tips; and,

3. Find an incentive program for promoting workplace safety.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore the benefits of voluntarily joining an organization for workplace safety

If you run a small business -- one that is not prone to many workplace injury claims -- you may be able to simply find tools online and establish workplace safety guidelines to avoid the paperwork and fees of a workplace safety association. Inexpensive options include downloading or printing pre-written safety manuals from your computer.

I recommend: Complete the U.S. Department of Labor's safety and health program check-up to calculate your business' workplace risk. The Safety Services Company offers more than 400 pre-written meeting guides to help educate your staff on workplace safety issues.

Find a workplace safety association for your kind of business

If you do need assistance finding an employee safety organization, keep in mind that each state administers its own occupational safety and health plan. Your regional OSHA office has specifics. There is a vast assortment of companies online who work with state authorities to help you find the right plan for your industry.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Labor can help you find your regional OSHA office. For a list of industry-specific workplace safety associations, consult Indiana's Safety Management Group. Answer a few questions and J.J. Keller and Associates, Inc., points you to which kind of solution you need.

Incentives for workplace safety organizations encourage participation

Some states lower workers' compensation premiums for businesses who enroll in a workplace safety group -- a benefit for the business. For your staff, search for a company specializing in incentives for compliance with a workplace safety organization or manage one yourself with simple salary bonuses or other rewards.

I recommend: Order a free catalog from Adco for a wide array of safety themed rewards including electronics and clothing. I Love Rewards Inc provides a more in-depth incentive program where employees can manage their own member accounts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Post reminders about the dangers of hot water and electrical appliances in kitchen areas regardless of whether or not the law requires you to comply with OSHA. Any workplace safety group will require it to prevent the most minor of injuries.