To ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the safety group, NYSIF required that we form a safety advisory committee for the safety group at our recent renewal meeting. The safety advisory committee members were appointed, our first meeting was held on 5/28/2024,  and during our meeting we discussed and conclude the following:

The best way to control workers' comp costs is to prevent injuries in the workplace. Fewer injuries mean less lost time, more productivity, and fewer costly claims. Accomplishing this requires a management commitment to the safety and health of employees.

Management commitment supports safety efforts and encourages worker participation in your safety program. A commitment to safety should be expressed in a clear, simple statement of policy to all employees. A written Safety Policy Statement and a comprehensive written safety program allows the employers to make known their safety commitment to your employees. Demonstrating this commitment fosters a safety culture where workers, supervisors and management promote safety and prevent workplace injuries.

Safe Workplaces

Safe conditions and safety training produce a safe operation. Show new workers the safe way to perform their duties, and periodically provide experienced workers training to reinforce safe work procedures.

• Make workers aware of the self-interest they have in their own safety.
• Develop appropriate training methods.
• Do not permit staff to deviate from safe practices, or tolerate unsafe acts or conditions, in all facets of the operation.
• Display relevant safety posters.
• Remind workers that no one is immune from accidents.
• Conduct Quarterly safety checks
• Establish and enforce a zero-tolerance workplace violence prevention policy.
• Conduct safety survey checklists
• Promoting Accountability: Implementing tools like safety comment cards can foster a sense of accountability among employees. They can report unsafe conditions or practices, contributing to a safer work environment.
• Reinforcing Safety Policies and Procedures: These emails serve as a constant reminder of the company’s safety policies and procedures, ensuring that safety remains a top priority and is not overlooked in the daily hustle of work activities

Failing to prioritize workplace health and safety can have far-reaching consequences for the employees and the safety group. From increased risks of accidents and injuries to declining employee morale and productivity, the negative impacts permeate through all aspects of the safety group. Moreover, the financial costs, legal implications, and damage to reputation can be severe and long-lasting. It is imperative for the safety group to recognize the importance of workplace health and safety and invest in preventative measures to protect their most valuable assets-their employees-and ensure the long-term success and sustainability of the safety group.

NYSIF has developed an online safety resource and training portal to help all safety group members keep their employees safe. All safety group members can create an online account to have access to a host of valuable information, tools and training including:

• industry-specific safety manuals
• Tips on how to reduce/manage accidents and injuries
• Online safety classes for employees
• Employee training videos
• Ergonomic and hazard communication resources/training materials
• And more!

Safety Group members can also request site inspections, safety consultations and other risk control services.  

As we are committed to ensure the success and effectiveness of the safety group, Aebly and Associates will be sending new information every other month for you to utilize with your Safety Programs and distribute to your employees. We are also here to help with setting up NYSIF risk control consultation visits. All these resources are available to you at no additional cost.

Attached please find for your reference safety information you can utilize within your safety programs and distribute to your employees.