This year, the National Safety Council has chosen Risk Reduction as a focal point for National Safety Month. While we all aim to "be safe," this goal can often feel general and situational. However, some companies have excelled at integrating risk reduction into their daily routines and long-term improvement strategies.

1. Create a Baseline

Review your safety programs. Has your company had thorough review of your workplace hazards recently? You can only know what you have improved on if you know where you started.

2. Review

Risk reduction involves monitoring workplace conditions.

• Has your leadership embraced Management by Walking Around or implemented Daily Gemba Walks? Being present allows leaders to observe potential hazards firsthand and foster open communication with their team.
• Are your departments regularly assessing risks with checklists, especially for equipment operation and maintenance? Has your team been provided with a structured system for general safety observations? Resources like OSHA’s Small Business Safety and Health Handbook and other compliance guides can offer valuable guidance.

3. Measure

What's measured gets managed

• Use various resources to conduct tests and to provide insight of trends even before they occur.

4. Risk versus Reward

Our workplaces are dynamic, and we can’t simply shield our teams from every risk. Many roles come with inherent hazards, so it’s crucial to help leadership recognize the consequences of ignoring these dangers. OSHA’s $afety Pays tool provides valuable data on the direct and indirect costs associated with common injuries, emphasizing the financial risks of inaction.

5. Industry Experts & Practitioners

Work your network!

• Most safety professionals welcome sharing knowledge on best practices and industry contacts.
• Call on your existing Vendors. Often equipment reps have some training services or can keep you aware of changing regulations.
• Insurance companies may have loss prevention resources.

6. Education

Seek out organizations that will share best practices and trends. Local chambers of commerce and industry associations often have monthly speakers for in person meetings or webinars.

How Manufacture Nevada Can Help

At Manufacture Nevada, we are dedicated to helping Nevada employers and the manufacturing supply chain reduce risk and improve economic and workforce competitiveness. Visit the Manufacture Nevada Events page to discover upcoming events, and how to get involved.

Content from this blog was sourced from IMEC.