#United States #Washington, D.C. #National Safety Council #NCCCO Foundation #Work to Zero

National Safety Council and NCCCO Foundation Unveil Safety Tool

In a significant move to improve workplace safety nationwide, the National Safety Council (NSC) and NCCCO Foundation have launched a new free tool aimed at preventing serious incidents and fatalities at work. Titled the Organizational Safety Gap Analysis Tool, this resource serves as a critical assessment instrument for employers wanting to enhance their safety protocols.

Understanding the Need

Despite advancements in workplace safety over the decades, U.S. fatality rates have stagnated at over 5,000 annually. Each incident, unfortunately, is preventable with appropriate measures in place. By identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities within a company's safety framework, organizations can take proactive steps to safeguard their employees. The NSC and NCCCO Foundation recognize the urgent need for effective resources that empower employers to mitigate risks before they lead to catastrophic outcomes.

What Is the Organizational Safety Gap Analysis Tool?

The Organizational Safety Gap Analysis Tool emerged from NSC's Work to Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate workplace fatalities. This tool evaluates seven key areas that are critical to an organization's safety landscape, including:

• - Operating environment
• - Leadership
• - Worker engagement
• - Hazard identification and prioritization
• - Hazard abatement and control
• - Implementation and operation
• - Continuous improvement

Designed with user-friendliness in mind, this tool transforms the existing NSC Gap Analysis checklist into an interactive and tailored experience. Employers do not need specialized training to utilize the tool effectively. Instead, they will receive personalized reports detailing their organization's strengths, areas needing improvement, and actionable steps for enhancing safety measures.

Empowering Employers and Employees

Matt Law, the director of Work to Zero at NSF, emphasized the mission behind this initiative: "At the heart of Work to Zero is the belief that every worker deserves to go home safely. This tool provides leaders with a practical starting point to strengthen the systems designed to protect lives."

T.J. Cantwell, executive director of the NCCCO Foundation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the tool as a valuable resource for the crane industry. He stated, "The new Organizational Safety Gap Analysis Tool is another great example of the safety resources and research we have been able to provide to the crane industry in collaboration with NSC. We hope that companies will utilize it to analyze existing programs and bolster safety measures."

Funding and Future Directions

The development of this tool was made possible by the McElhattan Foundation, which supports the Work to Zero initiative that focuses on fostering environments where technological advancements and best practices converge to minimize workplace hazards. The overarching goal is to eliminate workplace fatalities altogether by enabling employers to adopt effective technologies and practices.

Accessing the Tool

Organizations of all sizes and from various industries can take advantage of the Organizational Safety Gap Analysis Tool. It is accessible online, facilitating quick and easy utilization to assess current safety protocols at any workplace.

About the National Safety Council

The NSC has championed safety advocacy for over 110 years, taking strides to eliminate preventable death and injury across various domains, particularly in workplaces and roadways. Their commitment involves fostering a culture of safety that extends beyond mere compliance.

About the NCCCO Foundation

Founded in 2018, the NCCCO Foundation is dedicated to promoting safety within the industry through education, research, and workforce development. The collaboration with NSC enhances its robust suite of safety resources aimed specifically at improving conditions in the workplace.

In conclusion, with initiatives like the Organizational Safety Gap Analysis Tool, employers are equipped with effective means to prioritize the safety of their workforce and pave the way to a future where workplace fatalities are a thing of the past.