In 2003, the most current statistics available, occupational injury and illness rates declined once more to 5.0 cases per 100 workers, thanks in great part to continuing efforts by OSHA to identify and correct hazards in the workplace.  OSHA is able to recognize workplace hazards by thoroughly tracking workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.  Stringent requirements […]

Drugs and the workplace are clearly a negative combination.  Employers may not only be liable for the negligence of an employee under the influence of drugs but also for negligently hiring an employee with a history of abusing drugs.  Lowered productivity and higher absenteeism are just a few more reasons employers want to keep drugs […]

The practice of rewarding or paying employees for not having workplace accidents is controversial.  With hopes of reducing costly workers’ compensation claims and improving the safety culture of their organization, companies are increasingly implementing safety incentive programs. Professionals who support safety incentives believe they can be a healthy component of an existing safety program, to […]

The concept of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) has received increased attention in recent years as a fundamental shift in the way companies approach risk.  ERM is an all-encompassing approach to risk management and this can often make implementing ERM seem overwhelming.   To make the process more palatable, the Commission of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway […]

If employees don’t feel involved and represented in their company’s safety program, it is unlikely the program will be successful.  A workplace safety committee is a tool that, if created and conducted properly, can increase the effectiveness of a safety program by: Providing structure and assigning responsibility for carrying out a workplace safety program; Enhancing […]