Safety 101 – Changes You Can Make to Reduce Your Exposure

Safety 101 – Changes You Can Make to Reduce Your Exposure

You have your business and you have your insurance but are you certain your workplace is safe so that insurance won’t be needed? 

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association) has set the standards for each industry as it relates to safety. 

Regardless of your category, there are standards that all businesses must meet.  These standards are to benefit your business by reducing downtime, keeping morale up and cutting worker’s compensation incidents and costs.

Protective equipment—if gear such as safety goggles, gloves or helmets are needed, it has to be provided free of charge.

Hazardous materials—if your company manufactures or imports these type of materials, regular evaluation is done and you must inform your staff of all the risks involved and how to avoid them.

Medical and exposure risks—in the event any or all employees are at risk of exposure, you must give them free access to records indicating same.

Inspections—OSHA regulations allow for and expect compliance with inspection by officers from both Federal and State offices.

In addition to any OSHA guidelines and regulations, you should also consider any precautions or enhancements you can make in your business when it comes to the following:

Driving accidents—between injuries, medical costs and liability payments, your bottom line can be severely affected if you don’t enforce certain rules for those staff members who drive while at work for you (whether through a fleet or vehicles or a quick errand down the street).

**Create a company policy for safe driving and communicate it out for all to comply.

**Check your employee’s driving records so you aren’t surprised.

**Implement recurring driver safety training.

**Have a no text, no call driving policy that is strictly enforced.

**Research and buy the safest vehicles possible as part of your fleet.

**Don’t skimp on car insurance coverage!

Inside and outside your building—you are responsible for those who are on your premises, so much so that you bear the primary burden of any slips or falls or injuries.  If you don’t own your own building, you should know that most landlords have policies which assume you are fully responsible. 

Don’t let your business suffer from incurred expenses.

**Ensure you have proper commercial liability insurance.

**Inspect unsafe conditions around the property at large.

**Correct and repair any of those unsafe conditions as soon as they are discovered.

**Warn all employees and visitors of any unsafe conditions with conspicuous signage.

The bottom line is that it’s your business and your responsibility. Take the necessary time to review your insurance and your business policies.  A little effort up front will allow you to get back to business of making a profit.

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