:: rawblogXport ::

:: Wednesday, June 23, 2004 ::

'Star' sites encourage safe plants BY BETH FITZGERALD, Newark Star Ledger, NJ
Ever since Congress created OSHA in 1970, critics have said the agency's staff is too small and its enforcement muscle too weak to adequately safeguard workers at the nation's 7 million workplaces. In February, the agency says next year's $461.6 million budget doesn't include any increase in this year's 37,700 workplace inspections nationwide.

Fans of Star certification say voluntary compliance attacks the problem at its roots, rallying employers to the cause of workplace safety instead of relying on fines and penalties after the damage is done.

'At OSHA, we talk about the triple bottom line -- how investing in safety and health adds value to your business, your workers and your community,' says Robert Kulick, an agency area officer based in Avenel. 'Avoiding injury and illness saves money on workers' compensation, absenteeism and a lot of hidden costs. We estimate that for every $1 you spend on safety, you get back $3 to $6 in profit.'

But critics counter OSHA's already-stretched resources should be deployed against employers that willfully violate safety and health rules, instead of encouraging good workplaces to achieve at an even higher level.

posted 6:05 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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