Workers from Moon Valley Pest Control in Sonoma, Calif. were eliminating wasps from a customer's third-floor terracotta roof when one of the workers slipped and fell off the roof. Because the technicians were using OSHA-required equipment and were tied off correctly, the worker only fell a short distance. And thanks to the company's rigorous employee training, the technician walked away unscathed instead of suffering a serious injury, or even death.

Workplace safety is an important issue for all small-business owners. When accidents result from not following safety regulations and procedures, companies can face liability lawsuits and steep fines. That's not to mention lost productivity and increased worker's compensation costs. But more important, every small-business owner has a moral and ethical obligation to create a safe environment for his or her employees.

A May 2012 survey conducted by Staples found that 70 percent of companies have an emergency communication plan, but almost half of employees surveyed say that are not aware of it. Similarly, half of workers reported that safety drills at their workplace are either infrequent or non-existent. And sadly, the survey also revealed that the majority of non-managers couldn't locate safety supplies, such as defibrillators, eyewash and dust masks. Patricia Kagerer, vice president of risk and safety management for C.F. Jordan Constructionin Dallas says that safety and profitability are intimately linked.

"By embracing safety as part of the overall strategic plan of the organization, a company can be more competitive and save money," she says.  Read more here.