THE SAFE CHOICE
In the United States in 2005, 110 workers lost their lives to work-related injuries each week. Another 82,700 suffered work-related injuries and illnesses each week. Those numbers reflect significant improvement from 1970, the year that OSHA was created. The low hanging fruit has been harvested. What does it take to push the numbers lower?

Perhaps we can learn from MADD. Not all that different from the teen age or drunken driver who believes he’s invincible, workers sometimes knowingly take chances. Experienced workers can think the safety system rules don’t apply to them, at least not for a minute or two. Reach into a machine to get something. Ignore the lockout/tagout procedure for a quick climb into an unprotected area. When newer employees witness those behaviors without subsequent harm, they’ve learned a false lesson about their own safety.

The MADD model includes creating widespread awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. Totaled cars on the lawns of high schools at Prom time have helped some students realize it could happen to them. Like drunk driving, safety is a choice. Help your employees understand that it can happen to them. Help them choose safety.

VALTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES USA
Congratulations to both Georges Rochat, CEO of Valtronic Group, and Jay Wimer, head of Valtonic’s USA organization, for successfully steering VUSA to its 20th anniversary, to be celebrated on September 20, 2006.

INC MAGAZINE WEBINAR
INC Magazine features Rebecca Morgan in the webinar “Knowledge is Power,” scheduled for online access September 18, 2006. It is a discussion of the strategic opportunity to manage and leverage the increasing customer touch points that arise as part of business growth. The URL of the webinar is not yet determined.