Do you know anyone who always solicits informed advice, but never follows that advice? OSHA recently published a news release regarding proposed fines in excess of $177,000 arising from burns suffered by an employee working at a manufacturing facility – US Department of Labor cites New Jersey-based packaging manufacturer for 25 violations after investigation of Ohio worker’s 2nd-degree burns | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov). Besides the injury itself, the worst part of this story is the company’s alleged failure to act on the information provided by the local fire department. Some organizations view the Human Resources and Risk Management Departments as “necessary evils.” In other words, we know we are supposed to have these functions, but they are a cost center and they can create inconveniences to our business operations. I bet when the CFO has to cut the check for that fine, there might be some second thoughts about how HR or Risk Management can take a larger role in ensuring employee safety and implementing action plans based on professional advice, including the advice of the local fire officials.
