Does SAFETY really matter?

It’s a question that needs to be addressed from every company executive to every employee no matter their position. If safety doesn’t matter, then what in the hell does? Is it production, quality, or what?

Values are embedded, while priorities can change. Safety is a “Condition of Employment”. Safety is fundamental to Operational Excellence and therefore Safety is a core value.

If not for the employee’s well-being, then what about those who depend on them? Isn’t that our responsibility as well? What about the affect your company has on the community.

In my book The Faces of Safety and Those Left Behind When Tragedy Strikes, in Chapter 13 we discuss the following:

Chapter 13, The Value of Safety Safety must be a no-excuses, core component of every job, every department, and every product. A commitment to safety says that you value your employees. A lack of same, says you see them as expendable. Value your employees and they will value you.

As I travel in my current position, I see a lot of company values and I would say that 90-95% of them have nothing to do with safety. I challenge those in my training classes, and even during my physical hazard assessments, why safety isn’t a core value. The answer I receive, is they don’t know, or it’s always been this way.

It’s just not good enough. Don’t tell me about staffing, don’t tell me about resources, don’t tell me we can’t invest in the safety of not only your employees but your company.

Safety and security are becoming more suspectable, and all companies have the responsibility to not only protect their company assets but their employees are at costs.

Over the past 5 years, 60% of companies have encountered breaches in their physical security measures. The estimated average cost of addressing a physical security breach is approximately $100,000.

So, when it comes to OSHA compliance, it’s not about written programs, training, it’s about the effectiveness of your safety programs. With the increasingly security threats across America companies need to make sure their employees are protected and secure within the wall and boundaries of your company.

Does safety and security costs? Sure it does…but you can’t put a price tag on one employee’s life…..or can you?

Safety and Security is like an emergency….the question is are you prepared for the consequences? Do you have a plan in place? Do you need assistance?

Visit www.davidawardsr.com for more information, or call 219-669-9043.

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