To effectively manage risk, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals must understand the meaning of risk, opportunity, and uncertainty. These three variables are closely related yet different, and OSH professionals must address them together to reduce uncertainty in decision-making. What is Risk? Risk has different definitions and meanings depending on the context. A general description [...]
The Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) standards were established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Minority Health (OMH). The primary goal of the CLAS program is to help Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals focus on the importance of language preferences, cultural health beliefs and literacy levels, [...]
Organizations are making a huge shift from a compliance-driven approach to a more respectful method that uses soft skills when instructing and reprimanding employees. Managers learn these skills and practice them to form stronger connections with their teams. Leading your team in a calm and healthy manner using soft skills creates an environment of effective [...]
In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry had a monthly average of 350,000 job openings and 400,000 hires. The problem in the construction industry is not related to hiring individuals. Rather, it lies in keeping them safe and productive. A staggering one-fifth of U.S. workplace fatalities are associated with the construction industry. That [...]
As human beings, people have two identities: individual identity and social identity. The link between these two identities is deeply connected, which is why it is so important to promote a psychologically safe workplace. When employees are exposed to psychological hazards in their social life at work, it is easy to see the profound impacts [...]
There is a significant shift in how organizations define and approach improved employee performance. Tomorrow’s work cultures will be focusing on well-being first as a catalyst to improved safety, health, and achievement. A gradual shift in business practices requires daily micropractices to produce personal transformation and lasting organizational change. One of these micropractices is authenticity. [...]
Leader micropractices, or micro-actions, take five minutes or less to implement. Some take no more than five seconds. Executing these small practices or actions is simple, improves connections, and makes a considerable impact on the wellbeing of individuals and teams. Even a short and meaningful “thank you” goes a long way to developing better relationships. [...]
The consequences of non-compliant contractors are significant. Learning how to deal with contractor non-compliance can prevent a disastrous safety, financial, and legal burden on the employer. When non-compliance occurs, proper communication with the contractor is necessary to address the issue and uncover the deeper cause to prevent repeat offenses. Contractor non-compliance can be prevented to [...]
Monitoring contractors by supervision and management is key to keeping workers safe and preventing injuries. To better understand the difference between supervision and management, it is wise to separate the two and explain the responsibility of each role. Once the roles are properly understood, companies should pay attention to behaviors as supervisors and managers monitor [...]
Contractor prequalification is an important step for your business, and there are key things to consider when you hire new employees. Two of the biggest ones are gauging behaviors and knowing how they impact safety processes. Companies should pay close attention to certain behaviors because they can affect the overall safety of the workplace and [...]
