Mahrukh Farooq

The Importance of Safety at the Workplace Ensuring safety at the workplace is important, especially when certain jobs call for the handling of dangerous chemicals or equipment. In the facility maintenance industry, employees are, at any given time, exposed to a variety of hazards which may put their health at risk. According to a report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the total number of fatal work injuries occurring at facility maintenance companies increased by around 14% between 2015 and 2016. The report highlighted falls, contact with objects and equipment and exposure to harmful substances or environments as the leading causes behind the increase. Employees working in facility maintenance companies are required to perform cleaning and maintenance services in a variety of different environments including schools, offices, data centers, hospitals, warehouses and retail spaces, many of which may pose certain biological and physical risks. In addition, workers are obligated to use certain cleaning chemicals or equipment that, if not used properly, may result in a variety of health-related problems including skin allergies and respiratory issues. By maintaining the safety of employees, employers can hope to provide an environment where their workers feel motivated to do their job without the fear of illness or injury. In addition, companies that invest in proper safety and health programs will ultimately be able to save on labor costs as well as increase the overall productivity of their business operations. To facilitate such organizations, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a range of resources providing information on how to devise a comprehensive safety and health program. OSHA’s 1989 Voluntary Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines outline the major elements an effective safety program should contain as well as how employers can customize it to suit their objectives. At Diversified Maintenance, workers are required to comply with all safety standards regarding the use of certain chemicals and equipment while on the job. In addition, all employees are obligated to participate in comprehensive safety and health training procedures in which they are educated on the best way to protect themselves and other members of their team. Finally, before the start of any service, a thorough inspection of the site is conducted to ensure that it is free of any kinds of hazards that could potentially cause injury to workers or Field Managers. As a result of these initiatives, Diversified Maintenance has continued to receive the award for Overall Safety for the category of Largest Employer from the ISSA for over 20 years.