Mishaps and accidents claim the lives of 11 American workers every day! And the sad part of this bleak scenario is the fact that most of these untimely deaths can be prevented only if employers and workers stay vigilant about maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH:

Celebrated every year in the month of June, it is a mark of respect for the thousands who perish in creating the battlements and tenements of civilization that we so enjoy. From the high risk construction industry to the dynamic transportation industry, workers give their very best to ensure the integrity of structures and often labor in treacherous circumstances of extreme heat and heavy duty equipment. The Safety Month aims to increase awareness amongst companies and their employees so that basic security evolves into a top priority for businesses around the world.

In 2015 the theme is ‘What I Live For’ and will focus on personal sagas of safety practices and useful tips and protocols urging workers to value their lives and the faith their family members have in them by taking adequate precautions.

GAUGING SAFETY AT THE WORKPLACE:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal body in charge of improving work condition and security compliance in American industries. In association with it, the NSC or National Safety Council has suggested a framework to assess existing safety and make continual changes to reduce the unnecessary death toll.

• Measurement of workplace compliance with existing regulations – It is important that employees dealing with high risk constructions and equipment diligently survey touch points (strength of leashes, skill of crane users and so on) that may exhibit vulnerability and bench mark provisions against what is considered standard.
• Hazard tracking – It isn’t enough to know the safety score of the workplace. Companies must continuously track touch points for signs of deterioration. This can prevent accidents by allowing pre-emptive action.
• Employee engagement – Based on observations and monitoring, a robust safety system has to be created on paper. To implement the blueprint employees must be given tangible reasons to adhere to them. This is achieved through engagement and compliance programs that utilize emotion driven content backed up by the dismal stats of workplace safety to jolt workers into cautiousness.

SOME TIPS TO STAY SAFE:

Sometimes the simplest measures can save lives and these are overlooked by employers as well as employees. Apart from initiating adoption of safety practices and constantly refreshing the specifications of provisions, companies should:

• Arrange for training when introducing a new tool, even if it is potentially harmless.
• Invest in good quality protective gear. This means eye gear and fire resistant clothes for welders.
• Foster a culture of co-operation. If an employee loses focus for a second and his partner is aware and proactive, mishaps may be reduced drastically.
• Encourage senior workers to mentor young interns and assistants. There is nothing better than well intended coaching and a recounting of first-hand experiences to instill respect for the workplace in newbies.

American Casting & Manufacturing Corp. is the premium manufacturer of superior quality ferrous castings and smooth pull tight security seals. With this progressive management and its dedication to excellence, it strives to achieve 100% safety in its shop floors and other endeavors.