ABC-SEMI Issue 4 2019

10 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. RESOURCES Quite often, small businesses simply don’t have the resources to adequately check their systems for safety. And in many situations, employers may not know what encompasses a safe procedure. These employers should reach out and access available resources, many of which are free. Several fire insurance and workers’ compensation insurance carriers offer complimentary inspection programs. OSHA does too and says employers won’t be penalized if violations are found during a consultation visit. Some equipment vendors also may be willing to conduct certain audits, so ask. Check out free resources on the web—including those from OSHA and the National Safety Council—and search for free, local training. OSHA’s Susan Harwood Training Grant Program routinely provides training in a variety of areas, and its website has free resource materials. However, not all resources are free, and employers must be willing to make an investment in certain training or PPE if they want to keep workers safe. “Spending a little bit of money up front on prevention can save you money on the back end,” Gamet said. Ultimately, worksites have a “monkey see, monkey do” mentality—if a supervisor or manager does something in an unsafe manner, other workers will follow suit. Instead, organizations should establish a culture in which safety becomes everyone’s responsibility and workers feel comfortable reporting hazardous processes. Leadership sets the tone. “If management is committed, and they send a signal to employees about the management of safety to the job site, it cascades that responsibility,” Gamet said. SAFETY