Are you making your employees sick?
 
You may not be but the inherent hazards in your business operations may be.  Regardless of the type of business you are, you will have some hazardous materials that can cause injury, illness, or death to employees.  How you manage this risk will go a long way to saving your employees' health and your wallet.
 
According to industry trainer J.J. Keller, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) handed out nearly $550,000 in fines for Hazardous Communication Standards violations.  It's a Federal Law for most businesses to train your employees in the "Right to Know" about hazards that can harm them.  Have you recently trained your employees?
 
I know, I know, it's hard to keep up with all the requirements and your employees are busy.  Plus, you don't know how to train them.  Okay, I've heard all those before.  That may be all true but you do have a moral and regulatory duty.
 
What's your duty?  According to the OSH Act of 1970 that regulates this requirement -
(a) Each employer --
  (1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;

(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.  
(b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
 
Manufacturers are required to provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on everything from cleaning supplies to chemicals, to auto parts fluids, to lumber products.  With the advent of the Internet, that system has become less burdensome.  That being said, how many employers are taking the time to train their employees?  Are you?
 
Here are the consequences - Fines (as you see above) and increased workers compensation costs.  The bottom line is that you can reduce your risk of employee injuries, which leads to higher work comp rates, and avoid costly fines if you simply train your employees annually.  There are many services and program that can do the job for you.  In fact, that is one of the services I offer in my practice.
 
Now is a great time to review your risk management progress for the year.  If you haven't trained your employees in Hazardous Communication Standards, what are you waiting for?  An invoice from the government?  An injured employee?  Take steps now to protect your employees, your liability, and your bottom line and arrange for HazCom training today.  Don't let your employees get sick on you.