In 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act was signed into law and in April 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the first standards for workplace safety. Similarly, the Mining Enforcement and Safety Administration was established in 1973, which lead to the creation of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in 1978. Since then, safety training has been a fundamental part of every safety and health program. OSHA’ s Construction, General Industry, Maritime, and Agricultural standards require that employers provide their employees with a safe workplace and that safety training is provided in a language and vocabulary that workers can understand. MSHA develops and enforces safety and health rules for all mines in the United States and sets regulations for the required safety training and safety plans related to the mining industry.
Before working in any hazardous situation, workers must receive safety training. It is the law, but there are benefits to your company and to your employees that go beyond compliance. Investing in safety training promotes a positive safety culture and provides an excellent return on investment. Keep in mind that effective safety training should be done on a continual basis and be documented. Successful safety training allows employees the opportunity to ask questions and to be engaged in the learning process. Ultimately, safety training is a sound investment and brings significant benefits to your organization.
- Reduce Accidents and Injuries. An investment in effective safety training is a proactive way to prevent injuries and illness. Safety training can increase awareness and can help employees find and fix safety hazards before they cause injury or illness. Preventing an injury, fatality or illness before it happens protects employees and can save money on hospital bills, insurance costs, OSHA fines, lawsuits, loss of productivity, diminished customer relations and the many other indirect costs associated with workplace injuries. A safe workplace is a productive workplace. A strong safety culture facilitates quality production.
- Show your employees that you value their safety, health, and well being. An investment in safety training will familiarize workers with safety protocols and help them develop skills. During safety training, employees learn how to identify, prevent, correct and mitigate hazards. You can support career growth and re-train workers with practical safety training as they advance in your company. Safety training increases morale, job satisfaction, and promotes a positive atmosphere within your company. Young workers and newly hired employees can be supported in their unfamiliar roles with comprehensive safety training. As you invest in employees, your workers will remember that you cared and are more likely to remain dedicated creating a win-win scenario for your business.
- Compliance with OSHA and MSHA laws. While the goal should always be to exceed the minimum standards set by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and other regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance is a basic starting point. Many OSHA and MSHA standards set specific safety and health training requirements. Be sure you know what is required. All workers have a right to a safe workplace free from hazards and are required to be trained. Companies that make safety training a priority generally have higher company standards, avoid OSHA penalties, and maintain their company’s reputation as a safe organization.
At Safety Consulting Specialists, we are highly experienced with OSHA and MSHA standards and are aware of the latest changes and new regulations. Our expertise allows us to customize training sessions specifically to suit your needs. Some of the safety training we offer includes:
-OSHA 10 & 30 hour
-MSHA (Part 46 & 48, New Miner Training, Annual refresher training)
-New task training
-Supervisor training including (S.T.A.R.T)
-Competent person training
-Electrical safety training
-Site specific hazard awareness training
-Fall Protection training
-Chemical safety training (lead, silica, ammonia, and hexavalent chromium)
-Equipment operator training
-Confined space training
-Trenching safety training
-Scaffolding safety training
-Respirator training
-CPR & First Aid
-Crane and rigging training
Our safety training team has decades of experience conducting effective safety training for a wide variety of industries. Our team is comprised of Board Certified Safety Professionals (CSPs) who are knowledgable and skilled at creating engaging and comprehensive safety training classes. When you contact us, we will discuss your safety goals and make recommendations for the most beneficial, cost-effective safety training for your company and employees. The investment you make in safety training today will pay off now and in the future. Call us today and let’s discuss how we can customize our safety training for your organization.
