Thoughts for the C-Suite: SAFE Work Certification is a GOOD business decision
Thoughts for the C-Suite: SAFE Work Certification is a GOOD business decision
Posted on August 21, 2018
Published by CME Manitoba
By Neal Curry, Executive Director, Made Safe
It takes more than sales to grow your business. It takes leadership, innovation and a safe work environment. Made Safe is the non-profit safety association for Manitoba dedicated to the prevention of injuries in the manufacturing sector. As the certifying partner for SAFE Work Manitoba Certified for manufacturing, Made Safe is also your go-to resource for top-down support
So, why is becoming SAFE Work Certified a good business decision?
#1: Best practice
Studies show that companies that pursue certification have superior injury reduction over non-certified companies. In fact, Made Safe companies experienced a full 70 per cent lost time reduction over their non-member counterparts – just one of the benefits of an industry-led safety association. Moreover, companies that can demonstrate they are committed to going above and beyond when it comes to developing a safe workplace culture may find themselves facing fewer workplace health and safety inspections. This is especially true once your reputation precedes you and your commitment to safety is known.
#2: Labour force advantage
Not only do companies that are safer have an easier time attracting and retaining the skilled workers they need, but they’re better positioned to advertise themselves as employers of choice. Manufacturers continue to report labour shortages as a key issue for the sector. With millennial workers – the demographic most vocal about their needs for clean, safe workplaces – now outnumbering both Generation X and Boomers in the workforce, this means that achieving a reputation as an employer of choice is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘must do’. And it’s not just millennials. A seismic change is about to hit the workplace as Generation Z – born between 1994 and 2010 – begin to enter the workplace at a faster rate than Millennials. Parents of these younger workers need assurance that their children are not working in dangerous environments. For manufacturers – who have traditionally struggled to combat incorrect and outdated stereotypes of dark and dingy factories – safety certification is a powerful tool to challenge these conventions.
# 3: Financial reward
The majority of Manitoba’s manufacturing companies are already paying for Made Safe through their WCB premiums. If a company is successful in implementing more safety measures and improves its safety record, it could see premiums reduced over time. Companies engaged in an industry-based safety program (IBSP) will pay 18 per cent less in 2018. Data indicates companies engaged with IBSP show improved injury reduction and employee retention. Your company will also see a decline in recruitment costs, as well as disruption costs. What’s more, once they become certified, companies become eligible for a 15 per cent rebate on WCB premiums.
#4: Service and support
A CME Manitoba initiative, Made Safe provides health and safety services designed specifically for the needs of the manufacturing work environment. In partnership with SAFE Work Manitoba, Made Safe makes it easier for employers and workers to ensure workplaces are safe and productive. Guided by an industry-led safety council, the association offers training, access to events and resources, consulting and certification by manufacturers, for manufacturers. Made Safe offers over 30 training courses, both regional training courses and site-specific training courses that members have access to.
Made Safe advisors are well trained and experienced safety professionals. Advisors will help companies create and enhance their Safety Management System and will help identify and eliminate hazards in the workplace
Made Safe provides certification support and will take companies through the SAFE Work Certification process. Certification is valid for three years, provided additional criteria are met. These criteria include performing an annual audit or having an externally managed health and safety perception survey of the entire workforce. In addition, firms must be in good standing with WCB to retain certification.
The Made Safe Audit and Certification program is based on provincial, national and international standards and legislation. Made Safe works with member companies to assess their readiness, provide support and help members achieve certification.
Made Safe is ready to help your company achieve SAFE Work Certification. Contact us today!