Flash forward to today, to the real world and all of its daily tasks. The lessons we learn in real life are much harder because, unlike in a fictional film, we must actually deal with the repercussions of our decisions. Owners of companies know this reality all too well. One single decision can mean the difference between growing your company to the next level or going out of business. The creation of a safe working environment for employees is one particular area in which decisions are critically important.
I am always amazed at the amount of effort a company will put into the creation of a company handbook even as they ignore safety in the workplace. So stop for a moment and take a long look at your company. What do you see? Do you feel like everything is in order? Do you have all the safety plans, training, and knowledge in place that you should? And if you do have plans already, are they all up to date? In short, the most important question of all about your company and your work environment is that infamous one from Marathon Man: Is it safe?
As the owner of your company, you alone are required to have the necessary policies and procedures in place when necessary. Do you know the benchmarks, under OSHA standards, that drive some of these critical rules and regulations?
Here are a few OSHA standards you should consider: Emergency Action Plans, Emergency Evacuation Plans, Fire Prevention Plans, Lock Out Tag Out Procedures, MSDS Sheets, and Power Industrial Truck (forklifts) safety training. Chances are your company is required to have some if not all of these in place right now. The specifics of your formal plans and documents depend on the number of employees you have, the industry you are in, and the facilities you operate. Are you aware of the three key components necessary to ensure your company’s compliance? If you are not sure of the safety-related policies and procedures you need to have in place, seek guidance from someone who knows.
In Marathon Man, Hoffman found himself running for his life. Eventually, however, he prevailed over his adversary. When it comes to safety, I have found prevention is best. If you plan, train, and implement a good safety policy, you should never find yourself behind the eight ball. And best of all, you will be able to ask yourself ''Is it safe?'' and your answer will be yes!
About the Author
Patrick VanTyle is the founder of VanTyle Business Solutions, Inc., a business advisory firm located in Sharon, Massachusetts. VanTyle Business Solutions, Inc. provides business owners with practical advice and services that work. Through strategic business solutions, your company will become more viable and profitable, improving both your business and personal lives. As our company motto states, ''Solutions are key to success.''
