NJLCA Starts Up 'Safety First' Program

At the May meeting of the New Jersey Landscape Contractor Association(NJLCA) Combined Board, the officers and directors discussed implementing the “Safety First” program, which was unanimously supported. First Vice President Dyle MacGregor suggested the program and wanted the NJLCA to establish and promote the safety program to the membership at general membership meetings, in the association newsletter and on the Internet at the association’s Web site.

When starting any new business program, it takes a commitment from the owners and top management. As the owner of your company, you must take the initiative and establish a safety program that works for you and your employees. You should challenge your managers to incorporate safety in their jobs every day. Everything from starting the day by making sure all equipment is in good working condition, to making sure your vehicles are in safe operating condition, to working on the job. Safety in the workplace is important because it directly impacts your bottom line by reducing claims and insurance costs. Also, an important reason for a safety program is the health and welfare of your employees, which improves work productivity.

The most important elements of an effective safety program are consistency and accountability. Keep your safety program simple by putting emphasis on a few key ideas that can continue throughout the season. Appoint someone from your staff to oversee your safety program and have them keep it interesting and understandable. He or she should be as passionate about safety as you are and must have the cooperation and respect of other employees. Have your employees alternate leading safety meetings to keep them involved.

Brief, regular “tailgate” meetings are a simple way to keep employees thinking and reminded about workplace safety. Tailgate meetings should focus on a specific topic, review any incidents and should only last five to 10 minutes. Another important part of your safety program should include procedures to investigate all accidents and determine what steps are necessary to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

Now that the landscape season is in full swing, it is more important than ever to take the time to promote some “safety first” in the workplace. Do not sacrifice safety and take shortcuts just to get the job done. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. You must make safety a priority in the way you operate your company. It makes you more professional and separates you from the competition.

The officers and directors of NJLCA have made a commitment to bring “safety first” ideas to association members. If you would like to get involved and participate in the Safety First program, or have any suggestions or comments, please contact Dyle MacGregor at 201/797-1881 during normal business hours.

This article was reprinted with permission from NJLCA.