Masonry Magazine May 2009 Page. 45
Downtime Costs
During downtime associated with just one injury, money is spent that doesn't need to be if safety stays the priority, even if times are lean.
Worker's Comp Costs
Insurance companies are in business to make money. If they reach a point with a customer when more is going out than coming in, either the premiums go to cover it, or they dump the customer. I realize there are many different plans, refunds, etc., and a company can get with a comp carrier. But the bottom line is that you have to pay for the injuries and lost time. If safety is kept the focus, you can benefit from the refunds or plan perks, since you're not having injuries. That's going to put money into your bottom line.
OSHA Fines
OSHA fines are given when an OSHA inspector cites a company for a violation of the OSHA regulations. If a mason contractor cuts corners on safety in an attempt to save money, and then OSHA shows up, what is coming next leaves little to the imagination. Fines are scaled by the severity of the violation. A bad extension cord may cost several hundred dollars, and a fall protection violation may cost several thousand. OSHA also will come to jobs when they hear of an accident and, of course, cite the employer due to the hazard that caused the injury. All this can be avoided by a diligent commitment to safety, even in the midst of tough financial times.
Other Considerations
There is a host of other points that could be made regarding why safety should be maintained during a poor economy:
Reputation. News of a company's poor safety habits travels, and it can cause owners and general contractors to give jobs to safer mason contractors.
Morale. Poor safety causes poor morale. I've seen jobs that suffered a bad accident, and everyone felt defeated, down in the dumps, and maybe even responsible. Their hearts were not really into the work, because their minds weren't. One bricklayer I know saw an ironworker fall about 27 feet to the ground. He suffered broken bones. The next work day, the bricklayer said he needed to go home. He just couldn't get his mind where it needed to be. He was disturbed by the accident and couldn't work. Morale matters, since happy employees make better employees. They put more bricks in a wall.
The most important reason to continue safety full force, even in a bad economy, is that it's the right thing to do. Our employees have families who need them. Spouses and kids need them to come back home, safe and sound. IMAS
Zach Everett is corporate safety director for Brazos Masonry. He can be reached at 254-848-5830 or zeverett@brazosmasonry.com.
Equipment & Inventory of Southern California's Largest Masonry Contractor
By Order of Persall Masonry Inc.
Live & Webcast Auction
Sale Date: May 30th, 2009 at 10:00 AM PDT
Location: 252 W. 4th Street, Suite E, Beaumont, CA 92223
Inspection: May 28th & 29th, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM PDT and Saturday from 8:00 to 9:45 AM PDT or Inspection by appointment only
Assets in this sale include:
* Masonry & Specialty Scaffolding: Extremely Large Quantity
* Truck Tractors: 2007 Peterbilt 385; 1993 Navistar 8100-6X4
* Trailer: 1999 Doonan 482DB14 Drop Deck
* Pickup Trucks: (3) Chevrolet 3500 Service & (1) 2500 (Το 2007)
* Loader Backhoes: 2000 New Holland 575E; 1988 Ford 655A
* Skip Loader: 2001 New Holland 545D
* Handler Forklifts: (5) Gradall 4-Wheel Drive (To 2000): (2) 544D-10, (1) 534C-9, (2) 5348-8; Terex SS-842 Square Shooter (1999)
* Forklift: Wiggins 5000-Lb. Capacity
* Water Truck; Club Van; Office & Storage Trailers; Scissor Lift; Diesel Air Compressors
* Backhoe Attachments; Plaster Mixers; Generators; Laser Equipment; Brick & Concrete Saws; Gang Boxes; Rebar Bender & Cutters; Power & Hand Tools, Etc.
For further information, please contact:
WILLIAM HLADY Tel: 248 514 3336 JOHN WARD Tel: 714 963 7186
Email: william.hlady@go-dove.com Email: john.ward@go-dove.com
Industrial Park for Sale: Approximately 28,000 sq. ft. Rentable Area Available, Including: (7) Industrial/Office Leasing Units & 8500 sq. ft. 2-Story Block Building With Office, Shop & Yard Space
2-Story Block Building for Sale or Lease: 5000 sq. ft. Office, 3500 sq. ft. Shop & Fenced Yard Space, Including: (7) Individual Offices, Reception Area With Custom Built-In Desks, Elevator & Stairway to 2nd Floor & Professional Interior Design Throughout
For more information, contact: PHIL BRODERICK Tel: 951 845 4545
To view and bid on the lots, please visit www.Go-Dove.com