OSHA recently released its 10 most frequently cited violations in 2017.

1. Fall protection: 6,072 citations—Falls from ladders and roofs still account for the majority of injuries at work, and the first step in eliminating or reducing falls is to identify all hazards and decide how to best protect employees.
2. Hazard communication: 4,176 citations—This standard governs hazard communication to employees about chemicals that are both produced or imported into the workplace. Most violations concern the failure to develop a written hazard training program or failure to provide a Safety Data Sheet for all workplace chemicals.

It's difficult to get employees to change their behaviors.  We hear this from leaders all the time:

"My people just don't get it. We do trainings and have all these safety initiatives, but our people just don't change." 

It's hard. So we're going to share our secret on how we work with clients to make dramatic turnarounds in performance.

3 Requirements to Shift Culture

The deadline to submit your OSHA 300A information electronically is December 31^st, 2017. For the first time ever, OSHA will have its teeth into some very compelling data about your organization's safety program. 

Who does this impact?

Establishments with 250 or more employees and establishments with 20-249 employees that are classified in certain industries with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses will be required to submit the information off of the company’s 300A forms.

Construction company executives have a lot to worry about. We find that CEOs leave a few key risks unchecked.

1. Being Unprepared for a Crisis

A crisis is any unpredictable event that threatens to harm an organization, its stakeholders, or the general public. 

What's the risk? The credibility and reputation of an organization is heavily influenced by how the company responds during a crisis. Failing to have an effective communication plan in place could be detrimental to your company's image in the community and create confusion amongst employees.

OSHA originally set an enforcement date of June 23, but has delayed it to September 23 of this year. They delay is due to OSHA wanting "to conduct additional outreach and provide educational materials and guidance for employers", but it is likely this delay will lead to a cut of this potential new standard. So - what should employers do?

CHRIS TANKE
Relationship Manager

If you’re a football fan, you know that the role of the left tackle is to protect the QB from the pass rushers coming in from his blind side.  Typically the defense positions their most dangerous pass rushers on the blind side of the Quarterback to maximize the potential for an impact play (sack, fumble, or interception).  Thus, while the left tackle most likely will never pass, run, or throw the ball, he is one of the most important offensive players on the field. 

KYLE MEINERT
Risk Advisor at HNI 

Confined spaces have long been recognized as a large exposure in many industries. Most of this exposure, however, is controlled with proper planning.