June is National Safety Month and workplace safety is no accident. According to AMMEX, the leading manufacture of safety gloves, occupational accidents and injuries affect every industry and can majorly impact an employer’s bottom line. Businesses spend $170 billion a year on costs associated with occupational injuries and Illness. However, workplace accidents can be substantially reduced with a solid safety program incorporating personal protective equipment (PPE).

This month we will focus on all areas of safety beginning with the main concepts in a well-written safety plan.

Health, Safety and Environmental Stewardship:

Quality cleaning and maintenance services are safe, healthy, and sustainable. They also positively impact the business environment. This section addresses the processes, systems, and documentation as they relate to the organization’s commitment to those objectives.

Regulatory Compliance:

Employers must comply with all pertinent provisions of the federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and all comparable state requirements.

Develop, implement and maintain a written hazard communication program.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are to be readily available for all hazardous chemical products. Each SDS match the current formulation of the corresponding chemical

A written Chemical Inventory that contains an accurate and complete list of all chemicals on site.

Employees who handle chemicals must be trained on the use and hazards of those chemicals.

All chemical containers are to be labeled as required.

Chemicals are to be used in a safe and proper manner and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Chemicals are to be stored according to their classification.

A written spill containment plan and documented employee training.

Waste disposal and recycling plan and documented employee training.

Documentation that describes the organization’s selection and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Sharps. Blood or Other Potentially Infectious Material Spills:

If cleaning personnel are required to clean blood or other potentially infectious material spills, the organization must comply with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard or applicable state requirements.

The establishment of a written Exposure Control Plan that is reviewed and updated annually.

Employees should be trained annually on the hazards of cleaning blood, other potentially infectious material

A written procedure for removal of sharps, cleaning blood spills, and other hazards should be implemented.

Employees should be offered the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Inspections and Compliance:

A qualified person should inspect the workplace as often as necessary to identify defective equipment or unsafe working conditions.

Employers are to comply with all other applicable OSHA and/or state employee safety and health regulations.

An abundance of thought and work goes into a well-functioning Safety Plan. The safety of your employees and the protection of your assets depend on this well organized, updated, and executed plan.

Do you need assistance in reviewing your Safety Plan?

ABC Sales & Services is a CIMS Certified leading expert in the development of these types of business plans.

Give us a call 340-774-1073 and let us help you.

Make 2018 Your Year Of Safety!!