According to OSHA, companies spend approximately $1 billion per week on workers’ compensation costs. OSHA says companies can get a better handle on these costs by identifying and controlling job-related hazards that can lead to worker injuries and deaths.
The agency’s newly launched “Safe and Sound” campaign focuses on helping businesses improve their safety and health programs. According to OSHA, these programs are proven to reduce the numbers of workplace injuries and illnesses while saving money and improving competitiveness.
The agency says all effective programs implement the following core elements:
- Management leadership: Top management commits to establishing, maintaining, and improving the program continually, and provides any necessary resources.
- Worker participation: Workers share in identifying solutions, which in turn leads to better productivity, higher job satisfaction, and worker retention.
- A systematic “find and fix” approach: Employers and workers proactively and routinely identify and address hazards before they lead to injuries or illnesses.
OSHA points out that every state has its own on-site consultation program which is primarily designed to provide compliance assistance to smaller businesses. Businesses, especially smaller ones, should not believe they cannot afford to protect their workers. OSHA and other event sponsors will host the first Safe + Sound Week June 12-18, 2017, to promote workplace safety and health programs. All businesses in any industry may participate. Find out more on OSHA's website.