In spite of better safety equipment, stricter rules from OSHA, including a 78% increase in the cost of fines, and safety software to help you better manage your safety program, the fact is that injuries continue to increase in the workplace. The reality you face every day is that your job as a safety professional is not getting easier, it is getting harder.

If you are looking for an empathetic ear, we are hear to help. Below we have outlined the top 4 challenges facing safety managers today.

1) Overcoming the Safety Plateau

Many organizations have taken measures to lower their incident rates including forming safety committees, performing ongoing safety training and onboarding, studying accidents after they occur and providing the best personal protective equipment. Despite these efforts, incident rates have plateaued and organizations have hit a wall. Incorporating technology and taking a proactive approach to prevent injuries will allow organizations to breakthrough this plateau.

2) Providing Proper Protective Equipment

Ensuring employees have the proper protective equipment can be a challenge for many organizations. Supplying the proper protective equipment means understanding that is not a "one-size" fits all approach. Employees have different needs, and it is imperative that equipment properly fits to adequately protect employees. Finding quality protective equipment at an affordable price presents a challenge for safety departments.

3) Minimizing Exposure to Workers' Comp

OSHA reports that each year, over 4.1 million American workers suffer a serious job-related injury or illness. This shows, that even a robust safety program cannot fully prevent injuries in the workplace. Once an injury occurs, it is important for safety directors to collaborate with HR or claims to limit the impact of a claim. Some include being proactive, knowing your doctors, bringing employees back to work, monitoring the claim and not letting it get personal.

4) Building a Culture of Safety

Companies understand the need to keep employees safe, and many have taken steps to ensure employee safety. However, many companies have not worked towards building a culture of safety or are unsure of where to start. In a culture of safety, workers are empowered to take action and are responsible for the safety of themselves and their coworkers. They know their leaders understand the value of safety and are committed to providing the necessary resources and investments to achieve positive results. OSHA has reported that developing a strong safety culture has the single greatest impact on accident reduction and should be a top priority. Building a culture of safety will lower accident rates, reduce turn-over and increase productivity.

As we have outlined above, safety managers and safety departments face many challenges. Arbill has the experience and expertise to help you overcome these challenges and ensure that every employee makes it home safely after every shift. Contact an Arbill Safety expert today.