Tag: safety training

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Forklift Safety Training is Essential

Forklift safety training is essential to fulfill the mission of OSHA: to assure safe and healthful working conditions for all workers. Because forklifts are commonly used in such a broad range of industries such as construction, distribution, manufacturing, retail, recycling operations, and warehousing, the importance of properly training all forklift operators cannot be overstated. Forklifts play a pivotal role in enhancing warehouse efficiency, providing workers with the ability to swiftly move heavy loads as well as transport goods between various locations at a much faster rate. Forklifts can save a significant amount of time and manpower.

Benefits of Using Forklifts

  • Enhancing Productivity
  • Optimizing Storage Capacity
  • Prioritizing Workplace Safety
  • Controlling Labor Costs
  • Versatility in Handling Materials

While forklifts improve workplace efficiency by enabling quick and safe movement of goods and equipment, they also pose a significant risk of injury. The power and functionality of these machines come with inherent risks. Forklift accidents can lead to serious injuries, damaged property, and even fatalities. Therefore, forklift safety training is essential to assure safe and healthful working conditions for all workers. In fact, OSHA mandates that employers ensure all forklift operators are trained and tested, including a practical evaluation of their skills. Completing forklift training is crucial for individual safety and the safety of fellow workers. Quality training ensures operators are qualified to operate heavy equipment. 

Benefits of Proper Forklift Safety Training

  • Adherence to OSHA Standards
  • Protects Lives
  • Mitigate Risks and Accidents
  • Improve Operator Competence
  • Reduce Downtime and Costs
  • Preserve Equipment and Infrastructure
  • Empower Emergency Preparedness
  • Enhanced Safety and Productivity
  • Boost Workplace Morale

In warehouses, distribution centers, and construction sites around the world, forklifts are indispensable tools that streamline operations and boost efficiency. Forklifts improve workplace efficiency by enabling quick and safe movement of goods and equipment. At National Safety Compliance we offer a Forklift Safety Course that satisfies the OSHA requirements for classroom training for forklift operators in industrial, transportation, and warehouse industries. Additionally, we have a Forklift Load Stability Training Course that covers safe forklift operation and how to properly balance their forklift while hauling loads to avoid collisions or loss of control. For the construction industry, our Forklift Safety: Construction Program covers all topics needed to comply with the classroom portion of the training regulations for OSHA forklift certification in construction. As previously mentioned, the importance of properly training all forklift operators cannot be overstated and at NSC we have the forklift training resources you need.

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Safety Training for New Hires

Quality Safety training for new hires can make all the difference in keeping workers safe. According to Injury Facts, compiled by the National Safety Council, the first 90 days of work can be some of the most dangerous. In fact, in a two-year period nearly 278,000 employees experienced an incident that resulted in days away from work – in their first 90 days on the job. This can be prevented.

“The data says that it’s among the most dangerous times in someone’s career,” said Larry Pearlman, president and founder of Safety and Consulting Associates Inc. So, when should the process of keeping new workers safe begin? “At the very moment an applicant learns about your organization’s job opening,” Pearlman says.

When and Where To Begin

  • Make sure job descriptions, job postings, and employment boards communicate a safety culture.
  • Provide a realistic preview of the job’s risks.
  • Thoroughly explain potential risks and job requirements (like being able to lift a certain amount of weight, etc).
  • Use YouTube videos to allow potential employees to preview the work environment and what the job actually is.
  • Ask safety-related questions during the interview.
  • Employers must send clear messages about the importance of the organization’s safety culture.
  • Establish best practices regarding safety and keep lines of communication open.

Rich Ives, senior vice president of business insurance claims at Travelers says, “I’ve seen numerous examples over the years of severe injuries from new employees trying to do the right thing and trying to be a good employee but not understanding exactly how the operation works.”

“The message that every worker’s safety is important has to come from Day 1 – not just in response to injuries,” Peter Smith, president and senior scientist at the Toronto-based Institute for Work and Health said. “That sets the tone from the very beginning that we value safety within this workplace.” Training plays a key role, especially when a strong safety plan is in place.

Additionally, Chris Hayes, assistant vice president of transportation and workers’ compensation risk control at insurance provider The Travelers Cos., believes many of these injuries can be prevented with proper precautions, training, and onboarding. “Unless there’s a well-understood, well-documented and well-communicated safety plan already, you really don’t know what to train people on as they come in,” Hayes said.

Have a Safety Plan in Place

  • Define safe work practices for all tasks.
  • Take proper precautions.
  • Provide quality training.
  • Examine prior injuries.
  • Highlight danger zones or hot spots on the job site.

“Spend the time building up the structures so you have those things well-defined,” Hayes said. “It absolutely helps.” “That includes defining safe work practices for all critical tasks, examining prior injuries and highlighting “hot spots” on the jobsite.”

“That first 90 days is critical,” Hayes said. “That’s when you’re cementing that employee’s access to the right safety tools, the right resources, getting them involved in corporate culture, and helping them work through any misconceptions or gaps in communication that might be arising.”

At National Safety Compliance we have a variety of Safety Orientation resources to help train and keep your new workers safe. It’s never too early to set the tone with potential employees and communicate the importance of safety. Because every life counts, and at NSC we equip employers to create safe workplaces where employees thrive by preventing workplace injuries and protecting employees so they can prosper.

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Hazard Communication Standard Updated

True to its mission, OSHA is always working to assure America’s workers have safe and healthful working conditions, OSHA has recently updated The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The update seeks to better align the HCS with Revision 7 of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification, as well as improve alignment with other federal agencies and international trading partners. The updated standard will improve effectiveness by better informing employees about chemical hazards in the workplace. This final rule will increase worker protections and reduce the incidences of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by improving the information on the labels and safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals.

Highlights of the Changes

  • Enhanced Information on Labels and SDS
  • Clearer Hazard Classification
  • Improved Physical Hazard Classes
  • Streamlined Precautionary Statements

With these changes, even labels on small containers will be more comprehensive and readable, so that workers have crucial hazard information easily available. The update also addresses trade secret concerns, while also ensuring critical safety information remains accessible on SDS. OSHA revised the classification process to provide complete and accurate hazard information on labels and SDS so that workers understand the chemicals they handle and make informed decisions. Updates to physical hazard classifications will better inform workers on the safe handling of explosives, aerosols, and chemicals under pressure. In addition, updated precautionary statements will provide clearer instructions on handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals. 

In light of these updates to the Hazard Communication Standard, we have updated a series of three Hazard Communication training programs. At NSC we strive to ensure that our training programs contain the most relevant and up to date content for your training efforts.

Updated Training Programs

Hazard Communication 

The number of existing chemical products is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands with hundreds of new ones being introduced into the workplace each year.  This poses a serious problem for exposed workers and their employers. This training program has been developed to assist with training all employees concerning chemical products and the hazards they present.

Hazard Communication: Safety Data Sheets

Thousands of chemicals are used in our personal lives and at work.  Most of us encounter chemicals at work on a daily basis. While many chemicals are relatively harmless when handled properly, many are dangerous substances by nature. With some chemicals, the simple act of pouring from one container to another can be hazardous. All chemicals can pose serious physical and/or health hazards when transported, handled, or used improperly. Manufacturers are constantly developing new chemicals to be used in ever widening ways.  Without accurate adequate knowledge about these chemicals, their hazards, and appropriate precautionary measures, employees are at a great risk of harmful and even fatal accidents.

Hazard Communication: Chemical Safety

The basic goal of any effective Hazard Communication program is to ensure the safety of the employee who works with and around different hazardous chemicals. Each and every workday, over 30 million workers in the U.S. are potentially exposed to a chemical hazard. Exposure to chemicals can cause serious physical and health problems. For employees to be safe when dealing with chemicals, information must be transmitted to them about the identities and hazards of the chemicals. This training program was created to assist with training employees concerning these chemical products and the hazards they present. The focus of this training will be the chemical label.

Overall, this significant revision to the Hazard Communication Standard OSHA aims to better inform employees about chemical hazards in the workplace. The rule does this by improving the quality and accessibility of information on chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS). It is vital that employers and employees have training that is in alignment with these revisions.

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Updated Hazard Communication Standard Set to Take Effect

OSHA aims to better inform employees about chemical hazards in the workplace.

Updated Hazard Communication Standard Effective July 19, 2024

With a significant revision to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) OSHA aims to better inform employees about chemical hazards in the workplace. The rule does this by improving the quality and accessibility of information on chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS). Further, OSHA seeks to better align the HCS with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification, primarily Revision 7 (GHS), and improve alignment with other federal agencies and international trading partners.

History of the Hazard Communication Standard

The Hazard Communication Standard in 1983 gave the workers the ‘right to know,’ and the 2012 Globally Harmonized System ensured workers had the ‘right to understand.’ The original standard allowed chemical manufacturers and importers to convey hazard information on labels and material safety data sheets in whatever format they chose. However, the modified 2012 standard provided a single set of harmonized criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards and specifies hazard communication elements for labeling and safety data sheets. The updated Hazard Communication Standard tackles concerns identified since the 2012 update by addressing past issues and promoting alignment. Additionally, it fosters better alignment with other federal agencies and Canada, promoting a more unified approach to workplace chemical safety across North America.

Highlights of the Changes

  • Enhanced Information on Labels and SDS
  • Clearer Hazard Classification
  • Improved Physical Hazard Classes
  • Streamlined Precautionary Statements

With these changes, even labels on small containers will be more comprehensive and readable, so that workers have crucial hazard information easily available. The update also addresses trade secret concerns, while also ensuring critical safety information remains accessible on SDS. OSHA revised the classification process to provide complete and accurate hazard information on labels and SDS so that workers understand the chemicals they handle and make informed decisions. Updates to physical hazard classifications will better inform workers on the safe handling of explosives, aerosols, and chemicals under pressure. In addition, updated precautionary statements will provide clearer instructions on handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals. The updated standards are effective July 19, 2024, however, OSHA has established a phased set of deadlines for compliance.

Timeframe for Implementing Compliance

Compliance DateRequirementWho
January 19, 2026Update labels and SDSs for substancesChemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers
July 20, 2026Update workplace labels, hazard communication program, and training as necessary for substancesEmployers
July 19, 2027Update labels and SDSs for mixturesChemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers
January 19, 2028Update workplace labels, hazard communication program, and training as necessary for mixturesEmployers

At National Safety Compliance we have a variety of Hazard Communication products to help businesses keep workers safe while handling hazardous materials including several video training courses, SDS binders, HAZCOM booklets, and several posters.

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Preventing Violence in the Workplace

California leads the nation in efforts to prevent workplace violence.

In a historic move, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 553 creating the first general industry workplace violence prevention safety requirements in the United States. This groundbreaking legislation mandates a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) for nearly all employers in California. The required WVPP can be built into an existing injury and illness prevention plan (IIPP). Employers are required to create or adopt, implement and train employees on the WVPP.

Effective July 1, 2024, this law is likely to be a landmark legislative move, as it is the first law of its kind nationwide to be applicable across various industries. Further, there is speculation it will be used as a template for similar laws across the country in coming years. The law incorporates many aspects beginning with developing the plan in cooperation with employees and others, regular training on workplace violence hazards, procedures for each element of the prevention plan, maintaining a detailed violent incident log, and conducting regular reviews of the WVPP. The enforcement of these requirements fall under the jurisdiction of California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).

What is “workplace violence”?

Labor Code Section 6401.9 defines workplace violence as “any act of violence or threat of violence that occurs in a place of employment,” but does not include lawful acts of self-defense or defense of others.

Workplace violence specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • The threat or use of physical force against an employee that results in, or has a high likelihood of resulting in, injury, psychological trauma, or stress, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury.
  • An incident involving a threat or use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, including the use of common objects as weapons, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury.
  • Any of the following four types of workplace violence.

What are the Four Types of Workplace Violence?

  1. Type 1 violence: workplace violence committed by a person who has no legitimate business at the worksite and includes violent acts by anyone who enters the workplace or approaches employees with the intent to commit a crime.
  2. Type 2 violence: workplace violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or visitors.
  3. Type 3 violence: workplace violence against an employee by a present or former employee, supervisor, or manager.
  4. Type 4 violence: workplace violence committed in the workplace by a person who does not work there but has or is known to have had a personal relationship with an employee.

What are the Essential Elements of a WVPP?

  • Responsible Personnel: Designate individuals responsible for the WVPP, recommending more than one person for this role. 
  • Employee Input and Enforcement: Develop procedures for obtaining input from employees on the plan and its enforcement. 
  • Training Procedures: Establish comprehensive training procedures covering all aspects of the WVPP. 
  • Incident Reporting: Create procedures for reporting both potential and actual workplace violence incidents. 
  • Incident Investigation: Implement procedures for investigating potential workplace violence incidents and issues. 
  • Plan Implementation: Set procedures for the plan’s implementation, including periodic inspections, annual reviews, and ensuring comprehensive training for all employees. 
  • Anti-Retaliation Clause: Incorporate an anti-retaliation clause to protect employees who report workplace violence. 
  • Role Coordination: Develop procedures for coordinating roles between supervisors and management. 
  • Interdepartmental Communication: Establish communication procedures between departments or shifts, as necessary for specific job positions. 
  • Training Development: Focus on developing effective training procedures. 
  • Risk Identification: Identify environmental and other risk factors, including considerations for contingent workers, temporary staff, and remote employees. 
  • Risk Evaluation and Control Development: Create procedures for evaluating specific work-related risks (e.g., customer interactions, security roles) and developing appropriate controls, including engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment. 
  • Recordkeeping: Implement procedures for maintaining records, including workplace violence incident logs. 
  • Post-Incident Response and Investigation: Establish emergency response procedures and investigation protocols for incidents that occur. 

Employers are required to train employees on the WVPP when the program is first established, and then every year thereafter. The employee training required under the new law must cover particular subjects, allow for “interactive questions and answers,” and be in “vocabulary appropriate to the educational level, literacy, and language of the employees.” Further, as part of the training, employers also must provide employees with an opportunity for interactive questions and answers with a person knowledgeable about the WVPP. Additional training must take place when a new or previously unrecognized workplace violence hazard has been identified and when changes are made to the WVPP for clarity, this training may be limited to addressing the new hazard or change. 

Training requirements

  • The employer’s plan, how to obtain a copy, and how to participate in development and implementation of the WVPP.
  • The definition of workplace violence and requirements of Labor Code Section 6401.9.
  • How to report workplace violence incidents to the employer or law enforcement.
  • Workplace violence hazards specific to the employer’s industry, corrective measures the employer has implemented, and strategies on how to prevent or respond to violence.
  • The violence log required by the Labor Code and how to obtain a copy.
  • An opportunity for interactive questions with a person knowledgeable about the plan.

What are employer responsibilities? Employers are required to take reasonable care to prevent and correct harassment. This includes having a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). Key steps to demonstrating reasonable care include: Having a broadly disseminated policy. Establishing an effective complaint process. Providing regular training to ensure employees and supervisors and managers. Understand their rights and responsibilities. Monitoring the workplace to ensure adherence to the employer’s policy.

To help California employers meet this new regulation, and other employers throughout the country, NSC has updated its Workplace Violence Training Program to include the following:

  • Impact of Workplace Violence
  • Types of Workplace Violence
  • OSHA and State Requirements for Workplace Violence (*NEW)
  • Developing a Written Workplace Violence Plan (*NEW)
  • Risk Factors for Workplace Violence
  • Warning Signs of Workplace Violence
  • Preventing/Reducing Workplace Violence
  • Response Actions
  • Training Employees on Workplace Violence (*NEW)

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Preventing Ladder Accidents and Injuries- March is National Ladder Safety Month

The American Ladder Institute (ALI) has announced March as National Ladder Safety Month. It is designed to raise awareness of ladder safety and to decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. ALI believes ladder accidents are preventable. Beginning with thorough safety planning, proper training, and finally continuous innovation in product design. The more people learn about proper ladder safety, the wider the message spreads and accidents are prevented.

Themes of Ladder Safety Month

  • Week One: Training and Awareness
  • Week Two: Inspection and Maintenance
  • Week Three: Stabilization, Setup, and Accessories
  • Week Four: Safe Climbing and Positioning

Nearly every home and workplace has at least one ladder. While ladders are great pieces of equipment, they pose a serious threat to safety if not used correctly. They should mainly be used for simple access jobs for a short duration. If at all possible, an alternative can be used in place of a ladder, such as scaffolding or an elevated work platform. However, if ladders are the only option, ladder safety tips and precautions should be taken.

Goals of Ladder Safety Month

  • Decrease number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities
  • Increase the number of ladder safety training certificates issued by ALI
  • Increase the frequency that ladder safety training modules are viewed on www.laddersafetytraining.org
  • Lower the rankings of ladder-related safety citations on OSHA’s yearly “Top 10 Citations List”
  • Increase the number of in-person ladder trainings
  • Increase the number of companies and individuals that inspect and properly dispose of old, damaged or obsolete ladders

OSHA offers three steps: “Plan.Provide.Train.” to prevent falls from ladders. Plan ahead to Get the job done safely. Provide the right extension ladder for the job with the proper load capacity. Train workers to use extension ladders safely. In addition OSHA recommends a list of “dos” and “do nots” for safe ladder use.

Safe Ladder Use—DO:

  • Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing/descending a ladder.
  • Face the ladder when climbing up or descending.
  • Keep the body inside the side rails.
  • Use extra care when getting on or off the ladder at the top or bottom.
  • Avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide out.
  • Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line.
  • Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the landing.
  • Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.

Safe Ladder Use—DO NOT:

  • Place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or unstable bases.
  • Use a ladder on soft ground or unstable footing.
  • Exceed the ladder’s maximum load rating.
  • Tie two ladders together to make them longer.
  • Ignore nearby overhead power lines.
  • Move or shift a ladder with a person or equipment on the ladder.
  • Lean out beyond the ladder’s side rails.
  • Use an extension ladder horizontally like a platform.

There are many ways for your company to participate in National Ladder Safety Month this March. Ideas include hosting a ladder safety training event, using the hashtag #LadderSafetyMonth on social media, and becoming a National Ladder Safety Month sponsor. At National Safety Compliance we have a variety of training materials and posters to help equip workers to stay safe while using ladders.

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Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and safety hazards don’t take a vacation. Keeping workers safe is everyone’s responsibility all year long. In a helpful video the US Department of Labor offers nine tips for protecting workers during the holidays. Additionally, OSHA provides resources on their website to help with holiday workplace safety.

Employers must ensure that all workers are trained to recognize and prevent job hazards and implement safe work practices. Making safety a priority begins with excellent training and education. These elements of a strong injury prevention program help employers find and fix workplace hazards before workers get hurt. During the holidays, when the number of temporary workers is typically higher, it is important to ensure that new workers have the required skills and knowledge to safely do their work. Evidence shows that those who are new on the job have a higher rate of injuries than more experienced workers.

9 tips to protect workers this holiday season:

provided by the DOL
  • Train workers in a language they speak and understand.
  • Provide hands-on training on properly using equipment.
  • Wear bright, visible clothing for delivery and warehousing workers.
  • Proper stack materials and making sure workers stand clear when doors are opened.
  • Create a staffing plan that reduces workplace stress.
  • Have an emergency plan for crowds.
  • Mark entrance and exit locations clearly.
  • Encourage workers to report safety and health concerns.
  • Remember that seasonal workers have the same rights as full-time workers.

OSHA’s website features guidance for specific industries as well as resources that are applicable to any industry. These include warehousing safety, forklift safety, package delivery, trucking, crowd management, and temporary or seasonal workers. The most important thing to remember is that all employees have the right to a safe workplace and as employers, it is our responsibility to provide that safe workplace.

Proper training is the starting place and at National Safety Compliance, we offer many training courses and resources to help you provide the training needed.

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OSHA’s 2023 Top 10 Released

During the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in New Orleans, Eric Harbin, OSHA’s Region 6 administrator, announced for the 13th consecutive fiscal year, Fall Protection – General Requirements is OSHA’s most frequently cited standard. Fall Protection was followed by Hazard Communication and Ladders.

As a whole, the Top 10 cited standards remain unaltered from 2022. While the number one spot remains firmly in place, the other spots saw some shifting this year. Notably, Powered Industrial Trucks moved into the top five and Respiratory Protection, which had previously been fourth, fell to seventh.

Top 10 Most Cited Standards for 2023

  1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 7,271 violations
  2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 3,213
  3. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,978
  4. Scaffolding (1926.451): 2,859
  5. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 2,561
  6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,554
  7. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,481
  8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 2,112
  9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 2,074
  10. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,644

While progress is constantly being made to keep workers safe there continues to be the same type of citations year after year. Understanding these violations and the associated risks is essential for preventing accidents and creating safer workplaces. Lorraine M. Martin, NSC President and CEO, challenged industry leaders at the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, “As a safety community, we must come together to acknowledge these persistent trends and identify solutions to better protect workers.” Paying attention to this list of violations can highlight areas that workplaces can improve safety and prevent future accidents. These are key areas in need of improvement.

Interestingly, the overall quantity of violations for the top 10 increased in 2023. Since OSHA’s out there and busier than ever employers and employees need to focus on making safety a top priority. All companies should seek to prevent worker injuries and as a bonus avoid OSHA fines. Whatever the safety training need, at National Safety Compliance we offer training for all of your staff from industrial worksites to office personnel with our easy and comprehensive training programs.

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Equipping New Employees to Embrace Safety

Research shows that more than one-third of workplace injuries occur within the first year of employment. Those injuries account for one-third of workers’ compensation claim costs. “Safety training programs and practices should start before an employee’s first day and continue throughout the employee’s time at an organization,” said Chris Hayes, of Travelers Insurance. Clearly, it is critical that employers have clearly communicated practices and safety training programs in place. New employees must know who to go to with safety questions and concerns. Further, it is imperative that they are empowered to stop work with out fear of reprisal.

5 Ways to Equip All Employees

  1. Integrate Safety into the Hiring Process
  2. Onboard and Continuously Train Employees
  3. Conduct a Job Safety Analysis
  4. Implement an Accident Analysis Program
  5. Continue Supporting Employees Throughout Their Careers

It is vitally important to show new employees that your company takes safety seriously. For example, consider making it part of the performance evaluations for supervisors. “The most common mistake is not including risk and safety/health goals in the performance evaluation process for managers,” Scott Smith, director of safety management at Selective Insurance. “Having risk and safety/health goals for managers that impact their performance evaluation sets expectations and establishes the organization’s safety culture.” Another “significant, commonly observed mistake is management’s failure to intervene when they observe employees failing to follow sound risk management or safety,” he added. 

Additionally, how you manage injuries can significantly impact your business. Employers should be prepared before an injury takes place. Including having a plan that helps injured employees return to work as soon as medically appropriate. For example, a transitional duty program can help employees remain engaged and connected at work during their recovery.

When workers are injured, it might be possible to temporarily assign them to different tasks that are less physically demanding. “There are pros and cons to having an injured employee perform in a light-duty position while recovering,” Smith said. “They can stay engaged in the business during this interim period, which might help with overall absenteeism and maintain positive employee morale, as remaining workers will see the employee returning to work.”

A Transitional Duty Program Can Help in 3 Ways:

  1. Employees to receive prompt, quality medical care.
  2. Keep employees at work, allowing the company to get meaningful, productive work done while the employee recovers.
  3. The employee, employee’s medical provider, employer and insurance professional to work together to help the employee to return to work as soon as possible.

Following an injury on the job, it is important to have a plan for returning employees to work as soon as they are medically able to return.

According to Rich Ives, vice president of business insurance claims at Travelers Insurance, “We stress to our customers the importance of maintaining contact with the injured employee, checking on how they are feeling and setting up a modified duty program as they recover,” he added. “By focusing on what they can do, rather than on their pain or limitations, conversations about their return to work can help an injured employee stay engaged, feel productive and look ahead.” 

At NSC we provide a safety orientation course that is an excellent resource for new hires in any industry. It is designed to foster positive safety attitudes and raise awareness of potential workplace hazards and emergencies. Safety in the workplace starts with having the right attitude about safety and taking the right steps to prevent safety incidents. This training course is designed to make you aware of just a few of the possible hazards which you might encounter at work. It is a quick overview to provide you with some basic understanding of each area and to set you on the right path towards a safe and healthy work day. We also offer safety orientation courses specific to janitorial, construction, foodservice, and healthcare industries.

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New for 2023: Food Safety & Personal Hygiene Training

Providing food safety training helps employees handle food responsibly. Food safety incidents put customer’s health in jeopardy, damages a company’s reputation, and costs your business money. This can threaten the long-term health of a business. National Safety Compliance has just released a new Food Safety & Personal Hygiene Training Program. This training is designed to give your staff a clear understanding of proper food handling and personal hygiene techniques to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Topics covered in the course include:

  • Health Codes
  • Your Personal Hygiene
  • The Steps to Handling Food Safely
  • Other Safety Rules When Handling and Preparing Food


Some benefits of proper food safety and personal hygiene training include, cutting down on waste, reducing the risk of food poisoning, employees gaining a better understanding of their job. This understanding will lead to improvements in work habits and practices. Our Food Safety & Personal Hygiene Training Course is versatile. It includes everything you need to train new employees or to use as a refresher course for current employees. The training video and documentation are available in several formats to meet your ever changing training needs.

Included in the training course:

  • 22 Minute Training Video
  • Employee Quiz & Answer Key
  • Training Certificate
  • Wallet Cards
  • Power Point® Presentation and more.

Formats available:

In order to uphold high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness, businesses must provide adequate food safety training to every employee who handles food. Proper training will ensure that everyone is aware of what they need to do, and how they need to do it. Food safety and personal hygiene training should not be one and done, it needs to be ongoing.

Our course is suitable for:

  • New hire orientation
  • Refresher / annual training
  • Train the Trainer
  • Class sizes from 1-100+

The World Health Organization estimates that illness from unsafe food causes 420,000 deaths per year. Safe food handling saves lives. Additional benefits of following proper food safety protocols include reduced economic loss, increased uptake of nutritious foods, and reduced environmental impact from food loss and waste. At NSC we offer affordable, reliable food safety & personal hygiene training.