I was reading an article in Facility Safety Management Magazine entitled “Workplace Safety a Focus of New Ad Campaign” about a new ad campaign that is set to run in Washington in May, June and again in October.  It is also going to have some radio time in July and August.  The campaign focuses on how workplace safety is not only limited to the work that happens within a facility but about how safety helps us sustain relationships with family and friends outside the workplace.

This new campaign was brought to life due to the safety negligence that has been happening in the workplace because of safety cut backs in this economic recession.  A lot of facilities tend to cut corners on workplace safety when times are tough and employees that are concerned about keeping their jobs do not always speak up about unsafe conditions.  Companies tend to overload workers and give them unfamiliar tasks to make up for staff shortages which can cause fatigue and make workers more prone to job injuries and illnesses.  This really concerned me, knowing that employers would cut corners on something that makes them money.   Making all work environments safe ensures that people are able to return to work the next day to perform their duties.  The ad concludes that on average two people die every week in Washington alone from on-the-job injuries and illnesses.

The ads are going to cost about $450,000 in TV, Radio time and Internet space; but this money is being spent with the hope that people will realize that workplace safety is one area that we cannot skimp on.  The L&I (Washington Department of Labor and Industries) has over 3,964 claims right now that are each going to cost more than the amount of the entire ad campaign.  The money will come from dedicated workers compensation funds.  In other words if this ad campaign helps avoid one worker’s compensation claim it will pay for the whole campaign.

So whether we are talking about slip-resistant flooring or making sure our employees are properly insured it all pays off in the end.  From the time our employees punch in until the time they go home to their families we should all do our best to practice safety in the workplace.

“Workplace Safety is Focus of New Ad Campaign” Facility Safety Management. 26 May 2009 <http://www.fsmmag.com/Articles/2009/05/Daily%20Articles/Workplace%20Safety%20is%20Focus%20of%20New%20Ad%20Campaign.htm>

Filed under: Workplace Safety by Beth Faraci