Reflecting on Safety: A Year-End Review

Allison Allen, BCE, Vice President of Membership & Certification, NPMA

The end of the year is a great time for pest management companies to reflect on their safety protocols—or lack thereof—and identify areas for improvement. The past year has undoubtedly presented its share of challenges, but with each challenge comes the opportunity to enhance your safety programs and minimize risks for the future.

ASSESSING CLAIMS AND NEAR MISSES

Begin by asking your insurance company for its recommendations based on your activity in the last year. Ask your workers’ compensation carrier for loss runs, and take a close look at the claims filed over the past year. What patterns or common issues can you identify? Engage your team members in this reflection process as their on-the-ground insights are invaluable. You know what ended up costing you money, but your team can help you identify near misses that occurred. These are often warning signs of potential hazards that, if left unaddressed, could lead to more serious accidents.

Gather your team and encourage open discussion about these near misses. What factors contributed to these incidents? What changes can be implemented to prevent them in the future? This collaborative approach not only fosters a culture of safety but also empowers your employees to take ownership of their well-being.

This is also a good time to get individual team members to reflect on why they want to go home safe at the end of the day, creating a visual representation that can serve as their daily reminder to prioritize safety.

IMPROVING YOUR SAFETY PROGRAM

With the insights gained from your review, focus on improving your safety program. This may involve creating new policies or updating existing ones. Clear, concise, and easily accessible policies are the backbone of any effective safety program. Ensure that all team members are familiar with these policies and understand their importance.

Training is another critical component. Regular training sessions keep safety protocols fresh in everyone’s minds and ensure that new employees are brought up to speed. Consider incorporating a mix of training methods, such as hands-on demonstrations, online modules, and regular safety drills. The goal is to make safety an integral part of your company’s culture.

Document all training with the date and who attended. Have employees sign off on policies at least annually. In the unfortunate event that an employee does have an accident caused by behavior that goes against company policy, documentation of the employee’s training and agreement to the policy can save your company from many expenses. Remember, the time and effort you put into policies and training may not help you unless documentation states these were used and understood by each employee.

LOOKING AHEAD

As you plan for the year ahead, take stock of any new equipment you intend to introduce, protocols you plan to implement or change, and pesticides you will use. No tool is outside of the scope of safety. Conducting a thorough hazard analysis before deploying new tools, protocols, or products is essential. This process involves identifying potential risks associated with the equipment and determining the necessary precautions to mitigate these risks. Keep in mind that using personal protective equipment is a last line of defense. Wherever possible, find equipment or ways of doing things that reduce the need to come in contact with the hazard.

Once the hazard analysis is complete, ensure that your team is well trained on the new equipment and associated protocols. Comprehensive training should cover not only the operation and maintenance of the equipment but also the safety measures in place to protect your employees.

Your team can help you identify near misses that occurred. THESE ARE OFTEN WARNING SIGNS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS THAT, IF LEFT UNADDRESSED, could lead to more serious accidents.

DON’T REINVENT THE WHEEL

Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to support your safety efforts. 

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration toolbox at qualityprotools.org offers a wealth of information tailored specifically for pest management professionals.
• OSHA.gov is another excellent source of guidelines and best practices. Sign up to receive a daily safety tip from OSHA with linked resources on the topic. Over the course of a year, you will receive many resources, usually timed for when your company needs them throughout the seasons.  
• Your insurance provider can be a valuable partner in your safety initiatives. Many insurers offer risk-management resources and training programs designed to help you minimize claims and create a safer work environment.
• The “Safety in the Pest Management Industry” community on my.npmapestworld.org provides a platform for sharing experiences and best practices with peers. Engaging with this community can offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to common safety challenges. You will find your peers are willing to share what they have implemented, saving you time and money.
• Don’t overlook the potential resources available from your vendors. Many vendors offer training, safety guides, and other materials that can enhance your safety program. It’s worth reaching out to your suppliers to see what support they can provide. Often, these resources are free or included as part of your existing agreements.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

As you reflect on the past year and plan for the future, prioritize safety in every aspect of your operations. By identifying claims and near misses, enhancing your safety program, evaluating new equipment, and utilizing available resources, you can create a safer environment for your team. Remember, safety is an ongoing process of improvement. Start now, keep striving for better, and ensure that safety remains at the forefront of your company’s culture.

QualityPro is administered by the Foundation for Professional Pest Management, an independent organization that has been developing good business practices and standards since 2004. Designed specifically for pest management companies in the U.S. and Canada, we are proud to certify over 500 of the best companies in the pest management industry. QualityPro is endorsed by the NPMA. Learn more at www.npmaqualitypro.org or reach us at qualitypro@pestworld.org.