The Kansas Department of Labor [KDOL] is now offering free safety and health consultation services to businesses in Kansas.
Allen Vinyard, KDOL Industrial Safety and Health Division Director said Kansas businesses should consider scheduling a consultation as part of their safety and prevention programs.
“[These consultations] prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths, improve the safety and health of your employees, increase productivity and profitability for your business, and can potentially lower your worker’s compensation rates,” Vinyard said. “It will help eliminate safety hazards and unsafe practices that OSHA [U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration] is looking for in an inspection.”
During the health and safety on-site consultation, employers will have the opportunity to participate in a confidential discussion addressing possible safety issues within the facility with a professional who holds a degree and safety and extensive Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training.
“We are here to help you correct unsafe or unhealthy working conditions, keep your employees safe and your business prosperous,” Vinyard said.
Employers agree to fix serious safety or health hazards within a given time frame. Vinyard said OSHA may be notified if imminent dangers or hazards are not corrected. No financial penalties or citations will be issued.
By completing the application for a consultation, employers have the option to request a safety consultation, health consultation, or both. Employers also agree to a walkthrough of the facility or location, while the health consultation will include both air and noise sampling to determine employees’ exposure to different air contaminants and various noise levels.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that in 2022, private industry employers in Kansas experienced 27,800 nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries. 85% of these reports were injury reports. Of the 27,800 illnesses or injuries reported, 16,600 were considered more severe, resulting in days out of work, job transfers, or other restrictions.
Kansas ranked slightly above the U.S. average rate of injuries and illnesses in the private industry at 2.9 incidents per 100 full-time equivalent workers, while the U.S. average is 2.7.
Nearly 75% of incidents in Kansas occur in three main sectors, which include trade, transportation, and utilities; education and health services; and manufacturing. These three sectors also equate to 55% of employment in the private industry.
KDOL recommends that all businesses have additional steps for creating a safe workplace, which include: building a safety program; displaying required workplace posters; training; written plans; and obtaining required certifications and licenses.
Employers interested in a free, confidential safety consultation or for more information can visit https://www.dol.ks.gov/industrial-safety-health/overview
