38 May/June 2017 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com
according to OSHA rules and regulations, is it to ask for a free and
voluntary on-site consultation from OSHA. It may sound scary,
but it isn't an inspection; the On-site Consultation Program
offers confidential safety and occupational health advice to
small and medium-sized businesses in all states throughout the
country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. On-site
consultation services are separate from enforcement, and do not
result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies or
universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards,
provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist
in establishing injury- and illness-prevention programs.
You don't have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to safety
training. There are enough free or low-cost resources in the
industry to supply your tailgate training sessions all year-round.
NALP's Safety and Risk Management Resource Center has years
of monthly tailgate training articles in English and Spanish
(https://www.landscapeprofessionals.org/nalp/nalp/safety-risk-
management/safety-risk-management.aspx).
Lisa Schaumann is director of communications at the National
Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
■ BY LISA SCHAUMANN
A company's commitment to safety should be at the core of its
business; it demonstrates professionalism, shows a commitment
to its employees and to clients, and is critical to the bottom line.
When companies have good safety programs, they increase the
professionalism of the whole industry and help attract workers.
That is why the National Association of Landscape Professionals
(NALP) has always tracked and had a voice in safety regulations,
and works with OSHA and other agencies to share the perspective
of landscape professionals and work to enhance safety.
A call or visit from OSHA can strike fear in the heart of a
business; but, in reality, OSHA provides great tools and resources
in English and Spanish that you can take advantage of all season
long for your safety training.
NALP participates in the OSHA Alliance, which works
with groups committed to worker safety and health to prevent
workplace fatalities, injuries, and illnesses. In late spring and
early summer, OSHA has several safety campaigns to provide
tools and resources on key topics.
In May, OSHA has the National Safety Stand Down when
it encourages companies to have tailgate trainings about the
topic of ladder safety. It also has Safe and Sound Week in July
(https://www.osha.gov/shpguidelines/) to highlight the release
of its updated Guidelines for Safety and Health Programs. Its
Recommended Practices present a step-by-step approach to
implementing a safety and health program, built around seven
core elements that make up a successful program. The NALP
Safe Company Program is a similar health and safety program
that is designed just for the landscape industry (https://www.
landscapeprofessionals.org/nalp/nalp/safety-risk-management/
safe-company-program.aspx)
OSHA also has an excellent heat safety program that it
promotes as it begins to get hot in the summer, and it has dozens
of great posters and training and materials in English and
Spanish (https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html).
A great way to know if your company is running safely, and
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When companies have good safety programs
they increase the professionalism of the whole
industry and help attract workers.
OSHA Should be Looked on as a
Partner When it Comes to Safety