Do Your Employees Know Your Safety Plans, Survey Says NO

*Gaps Seen in Workers’ Awareness of Company Safety Plans, Preparedness

A Staples.com survey of small business managers and office workers on office health and safety showed gaps in office workers’ awareness of companies’ safety plans and preparedness, a situation that could lead to increased accidents and injuries.

The survey, conducted in advance of National Safety Month, found that managers were far better informed on workplace safety preparedness than office workers, who were uncertain on what they should do in case of an emergency. [WCx]

For example, nearly 70 percent of managers say their company has an emergency communication plan, but nearly half of office workers are either unsure if a plan exists or say their company doesn’t have a plan. In addition, 50 percent of office workers said they participate in safety drills only once every few years or never. Only 19 percent of office workers think their company is prepared for a major medical emergency.

According to the survey, managers were almost 50 percent more likely than non-managers to be able to locate their company’s safety-related supplies such as defibrillators, eye wash, dust masks, and caution and wet floor signs.

Additional safety findings:

— When it comes to fire, more than 70 percent of both managers and office workers felt their company was somewhat or very prepared.

— When it comes to flooding only 50 percent of employees felt their company was adequately prepared. This is a particularly concerning statistic because, according to the National Weather Service Forecast Office, flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather-related event, costing an average of $4.6 billion a year.

— While 56 percent of managers said they were either very prepared or somewhat prepared in case of a hazardous material exposure, only 23 percent of office workers said they would know what to do in that circumstance. [WCx].

The Staples.com Safety Survey was conducted through a third party research company and had 412 total respondents, (208 office managers and 204 office workers) from small businesses with under 50 employees.

Author Michael B. Stack, CPA, Director of Operations, Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is an expert in employer communication systems and part of the Amaxx team helping companies reduce their workers compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is a writer, speaker, and website publisher. www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com. Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.

WORKERS COMP MANAGEMENT MANUAL: www.WCManual.com

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.