Promoting a Safe Workplace … Miami Valley Safety Council

The Dayton/Miami Valley Safety Council meeting’s topic was “Keystones to a Safe Workplace” with speaker Gary Auman, Esq. . The event was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dayton, across from the Convention Center.  Attorney Auman is the Firm Director of Dunlevey, Mahan & Furry; he concentrates his practice on occupational safety and health law, workers’ compensation defense, and environmental litigation. Attorney Auman discussed the importance of companies  keeping an OSHA 300 Log in case of an audit to avoid hefty fines. OSHA is the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and is the governing body on workplace safety.  For the log, he stressed the importance of having weekly “Toolbox” training in 15-30 minute sessions. He also stressed each day should have a 5 minute “Job Briefing” to address possible hazards for that day. These sessions should be done by a Foreman or Supervisor and everyone attending is required to sign in.  Keeping the OSHA 300 Log is a proactive approach to protecting your employees and the company.

Gary Auman recommended companies to have a active and on-going “Employee Training” program with incentives based on saftey compliance. Incentives for injury free performance with a lottery or raffle rewards should be avoided. Instead, group awards such as pizza, lunch, or outings should be used. This training is to be demonstrated and taught by a Supervisor  for better retention by the workforce. Training records should always be kept for the benefit of all.

Last month, Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, started an initiative to provide training to workers and companies on saftey in using ladders, scaffolds, and roofs. In 2010, there were over 10,000 injuries due to falls with 250 of those being fatalities. For more on this OSHA article visit: http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2012/05/osha_urges_workers_to_be_safe.html

HR Associates is dedicated to workplace saftey and we actively challenge our Clients on making their space a safe one for all. Interested in a new direction, click here: https://www.hr-ps.com/forCandidates.php

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