In today’s tough economic times overhead is always the first line-item to get scrutinized when the budget belt gets tightened. So naturally areas like Safety and Training all get looked at in terms of whether or not the company needs them right now.

Employers should keep in mind that cutting some of these costs now may end up costing more down the road. When we look at the big-picture, safety and training (when done right) is an insurance policy against future losses. So naturally, cutting these things out of the budget could cost a lot later. 

So how can a business stay competitive and still invest in the much needed safety and health oversight and training that will prevent major losses? There are many small ways to help cut costs. Some are simple, such as: 

• Ensure employees have and use protective equipment
• Follow safety procedures to prevent workplace injuries, work delays and potential  fines
• Reduce costs by ensuring equipment is kept in good working condition and reduce waste

These examples require some form of oversight. Whether this is a well-trained supervisor or a full-time safety professional, someone has to document and implement corrective actions. Many companies are choosing to bring in outside help. A consultant can be beneficial in tough economic times: there is no salary, benefits, etc. and the company can still get access to a qualified safety professional. The Ohio Valley Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors now offers such a solution to its members. 

The OVABC Safety Services Program is the economic safety-stimulus package this industry needs right now. By offering three levels of service companies can pick the service that best fits their needs. The piece of mind that comes with knowing your employees are getting safety and training services while saving on cost more than pays for the service.

When the OVABC Safety Committee looked at this program they had one thing in mind-this has to be a program designed specifically for our members and for the right price. The goal was to offer a service to members that save them the hassle of going through two or three consulting firms for quotes, interviews, assessments, etc. OVABC knows this industry and already knows its members. So it makes sense that the Chapter offers this service. 

Anyone looking to save on costs but still focus on safety and training should seriously consider looking at the OVABC Safety Services Program. For more information on the levels of service and costs can contact the OVABC Safety Director or visit www.ovabc.org.