Leader In Safety News Leader

2009 Spring Download PDF

A healthy bottom line
In times of an economic downturn, reducing costs becomes a huge priority. But companies looking to help the bottom line by cutting back on Health and Safety processes are opening themselves up for higher insurance premiums, increased labor expenses and hefty fines. Choosing to invest in Health and Safety programs for your company and its employee's yields far greater returns that will more than offset the time and capital you put into them.

"If companies believe they will save money by reducing or ignoring safety for their workers, customers and communities they do business in, they are mistaken."

Brown says companies that have a strong health and safety culture and continually invest in and implement effective safety processes will find that their bottom line benefits, the company achieves a favorable reputation, and their employees are safe, healthy and happy. Improved Health and Safety programs further reduce costs associated with training of replacement workers, the retraining of an injured worker and employee turnover.

Additional rewards can include:

• Premium rebates from WSIB
• Ability to bid on larger contracts requiring a good safety record
• Improved employee morale and less absenteeism
• Improved productivity and efficiency
• Minimal to no delays from Stop Work orders
• Avoiding WSIB surcharges after an injury
• Reduced costs incurred from property or equipment damage

Although Health and Safety programs do cost money, they are one of the best investments a company can make. Without them or with lax processes, the consequences can cost a great deal more.

Last year 19 Ontario Construction workers died from on-the-job injuries and 151 suffered critical injuries. Although there were fewer injuries than in 2007, these numbers are still unacceptable. At the end of the day, everyone should be able to go home.

Workwell audits
Are your employee training certifications up to date?

• WHMIS - every year
• Forklift - recertification every 2 years (CSA Standard)
• First Aid/CPR - recertification every 3 years (WSIB Standard)

Passing a WSIB Workwell Audit is great for your company but failing can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. We have a 100% success rate in helping companies attain a passing grade.

>> Contact us with your questions, concerns or for more information at www.leaderinsafety.ca

Did you know?
Propane Legislation changed late last year. There are new restrictions related to storage and inventory and enhanced safety equipment and training programs. The new Ontario Electrical Safety Code comes into effect May 1, 2009.

We can bring you up to speed
On February 2, 2009, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, 1992, amendment was tabled in the House of Commons. The amendment requires additional training for all persons involved in the handling, offering for transport and/or transporting of dangerous goods. Call us for all your training needs.

Ministry inspection blitzes
February - inspection and maintenance of lifting devices, use of competent operators in a safe work environment.
March - Heavy equipment safety and site conditions that could cause workers to be struck, trapped or crushed by moving equipment or improperly secured building materials. Convictions can lead to a $500,000 fine against a corporation, up to $25,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both for individuals.

>> Call today for a safer tomorrow: 1-866-939-7999

Special thanks to CSAO for their assistance with the information used in this newsletter.