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The Top Five Essential Elements for Creating a Strong Safety Culture

At STC, we believe that creating a strong safety culture is a crucial factor for the success of every business. When your safety precautions are backed by a culture of knowledge, you are able to increase efficiency and decrease accidents in the future. There is no better time to form your own safety culture than right now. Here are the top five elements for creating a stronger safety culture from STC:

1. Continually Updating Safety Precautions

As we have seen with the COVID-19 pandemic, safety precautions are something that can change quite frequently. While we learn more about specific safety topics, we will also continue to learn more about creating better precautions for safeguarding against them. That is why it is crucial to continually update your businesses safety precautions based on recommendations from OSHA, WHO, CDC and your safety partners at STC.

2. Internal Safety Training for All Employees

Since safety precautions are bound to change over time, so too will the necessary trainings that employees receive while on the job. These trainings can range from things like COVID-19 safety, new equipment safety and even common safety practices that should be re-taught regularly. There’s never a bad time to teach safety at the job site.

3. External Training from Your Partner in Safety

One of our primary goals when working with clients is to create a safety culture for their business. We teach employees and employers the importance of practicing proper safety precautions, while also helping you change the way your employees think and talk about safety. STC is dedicated to preserving human life by teaching that safety comes before all else on the job.

4. Bringing Employees Together to Form a Safety Culture

Creating a safety culture for your business starts from the ground up. While it is important for management to adhere to and teach proper safety precautions, the real change starts happening when employees are all equally motivated to practice safety. In every safety-positive work environment, the employees are as adamant about safety precautions as management.

5. Holding Each Other Accountable to Safety Standards

If every employee, from management to the lowest level workers, are equally as dedicated to safety, your company will see some major benefits. Accidents and incidents will lower due to each employee holding themselves and others accountable to practicing proper safety. Every job is different, so each employee must be accountable for learning and practicing safety.

No matter how you choose to improve the safety culture of your business, STC is here to help you make it simple. Our instructor-led trainings, managed safety services and safety consulting services are all aimed towards helping you build a strong culture around safety in your workplace. Want to learn more about building a better safety culture? Check out our blog today!

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Celebrating National Burn Awareness Week with Workplace Burn Prevention Tips

At STC, we are committed to keeping employees safe throughout all aspects of their careers. From February 7th through 13th, we are excited to celebrate National Burn Awareness Week by highlighting a variety of our favorite workplace burn prevention tips. You never want to learn this information afterward, so here’s everything you should know about burn prevention from STC:

Types of Workplace Burns

To kick off National Burn Awareness Week, it’s important to understand the different types of workplace burns and their sources. Each type of workplace burn serves a different type of potentially fatal danger. As you introduce new employees to your workplace or start work in a new location, it is crucial to identify where employees may encounter each type of burn.

  • Thermal Burns – Open flames, scalding liquids, hot surfaces and explosions.

  • Chemical Burns – Alkaloids, strong acids and other corrosive chemicals

  • Electrical Burns – Live wires, inattention to detail when working with electricity

  • Sun Exposure Burns – Prolonged exposure to harsh direct sunlight

Training is the First Step to Burn Prevention

OSHA states that it is the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe working environment. The first step to ensuring that this happens is training employees on the dangers of workplace burns. This training should cover an overview of the hazards an employee might face at the site, OSHA standards and hazard identification. In addition, burn prevention training should continue even after the employee has started at the site, with yearly refresher training to ensure ongoing safety.

Hazard Communications for National Burn Awareness Week

Training your employees is the first step to prevention, but even when they are knowledgeable, they should be reminded of the potential dangers on the job site. Each piece of potentially dangerous equipment or burn sources should be clearly labeled with posters, color-coded labels and signs. Employees should be trained on how to clearly identify each of the labels.

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for burn prevention, STC is here to help guide you through every step. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation. Want to learn more about celebrating National Burn Awareness Week? Check out our blog today!

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The Dangers of Fatigue in the Workplace for Employers and Employees

The dangers of heat and falls are well documented and commonplace in the workplace, but did you know that fatigue can also play a major role in the safety of your employees? Fatigue-related incidents are more common than most people think. Here is everything you need to know about the dangers of fatigue in the workplace from the safety experts at STC:

Dangers of Fatigue in the Workplace

There are many factors that can contribute to an employee becoming fatigued, like daylight savings time and being overworked. Studies have shown that more than 43% of workers are sleep-deprived and that safety performance is decreased by tired employees. The employees most at risk of fatigue are those working night shifts, long shifts and/or irregular hours.

Dangers of Fatigue While Driving

The dangers of fatigue in the workplace can become even more serious when an employee is asked to operate a vehicle. Driving while fatigued has been shown to be nearly as dangerous as driving under the influence, with losing two hours of sleep having a similar effect as drinking three beers. Studies show that employees are three times more likely to crash their vehicle while fatigued. More than 5,000 people died from fatigue-related accidents in 2014 alone.

The Cost of Fatigue for Employers

While fatigue has a massive effect on the wellbeing of employees, it can also cost employers a large amount of money per year. Since productivity can be greatly affected by sleep deprivation, job performance decreases as employees become fatigued. It is estimated that fatigued workers’ decrease in productivity can cost employers up to $3,100 per employee annually.

No matter how you choose to care for the safety of your employees, STC is here to help guide you through every step. Our managed safety services are designed to help you increase productivity by making safety simple and creating a safety culture in your workplace. Want to learn more about the dangers of fatigue in the workplace? Check out our blog today!

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A Year in Review from STC CEO Scot Thomas

At STC, we believe that success is a team effort and we are truly grateful for all of the powerful players on our team that make success happen every day. 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, but each member of our team came together to unite under one goal, keeping our clients safe. Recently, we had the chance to sit down with our CEO, Scot Thomas, to discuss the difficulties faced in 2020 and our game plan for moving forward in the new year. Here are some of the most valuable insights from Scot:

What were some of the biggest wins STC accomplished in 2020?

“Without a doubt, our biggest win of 2020 was helping our clients navigate the uncertainties of COVID-19. Our clients had to balance the need to keep their jobs progressing while maintaining a safe and healthy worksite. STC came together as a team, all hands on deck, to find solutions that helped our clients be successful in their business. We allowed their people to go home safely to their families each day and the experience taught us how to be nimble, responsive and proactive problem solvers.”

What were some of the biggest challenges STC faced in 2020?

“We count ourselves very blessed for several reasons. Neither any of us at STC, nor our clients, have seen the likes of anything we experienced with Covid. Plenty of business went into defense mode and waited to see what would happen. At STC we went on the offense. We got more engaged with our clients. We planned and strategized more than ever before and we did our best to ensure our clients had what they needed from all of us. If we didn’t have the strength of our team, the outcome could have been very different for STC, our clients and their employees. I’m just so proud of the work they all did.”

What are the most notable accomplishments you have seen in the 10 years STC has been in business?

“We have truly become a unicorn farm here at STC! Most companies dream of hiring one unicorn (a mythical creature everyone wants to work with) but STC has managed to assemble a team of them over the last 10 years and is gaining a ton of traction. Everyone on our team is united around our 5 core values which have really helped us bring in the right talent.

  • Passionately Help Others Win

  • Make Great Plays

  • Be Genuinely Authentic

  • Earn a Seat at the Table

  • Enjoy the Journey

Our people have our values in their bones and bleed STC Orange.”

How did COVID-19 affect the way you approached safety culture in 2020, and how do you anticipate that changing in 2021?

“We have enjoyed helping the construction industry evolve in technology and create unique ways to reach their employees, partners and customers. We believe this newly developed skillset will be a continued practice in 2021 and another tool in the toolshed for our clients as they build their company cultures. What we also learned is that you can’t go about safety passively. You have to own it and drive it into your culture intentionally.”

Which safety trends will STC focus on in 2021?

“Engagement in middle management. STC has seen overwhelming support from owners, executives, and general employees and now we see some great opportunities to equip those individuals in setting up the jobs with proactive tools and strategies to eliminate risky conditions before they surface. A big component of this effort will be maximizing the project management software solutions being used by our clients to include safety plans. In addition, we will focus on improving the communication during critical phases between project manager and field employees.”

What are your goals for STC in 2021?

“We have some aggressive growth plans around new strategic partnerships and our portfolio growth. We are very excited to announce our launch of the Atlanta region and would like to thank all of our clients that are supporting our expansion effort.”

When you look at the team you’ve built at STC, what makes you the proudest?

“Watching our team become passionate about helping others is my greatest joy. It’s what we are known for… our people. We strive to be a company of “Givers”.”

Are there any vendors or partners that should be mentioned who make your work possible?

“A huge part of our success has been our professional partnerships with some of the best commercial insurance firms in our region. Thank you; Mullis Newby & Hurst, Swingle Collins & Associates, Boyd Shackleford, Barnett, and Dixon. Your Passion for your client’s safety and success is infectious!

We are also grateful for Tie Down Safety (Tie Down Engineering) and CRS Inc. (Commercial Roofing Supply), as these companies really bring our safety vision to life with their innovative safety equipment and solutions. True Partners!”

No matter how you choose to prepare your company for 2021, STC is always here to help you make safety simple. Our team is dedicated to each and every one of our clients and the safety of their employees. We have a wide range of managed safety services, from onsite safety training to safety consulting, to help our clients meet their safety goals. Want to learn more about partnering with STC? Check out our blog today!

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Kicking Off 2021 After 10 years of Managed Safety Services at STC

At STC, we work hard to preserve human life through a variety of managed safety services designed to make workplaces safer. This year, we are proud to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary of prosperous partnerships and safety excellence as we grow more dedicated to safety each and every day. Here is what our customers can expect from STC in 2021:

An Emphasis on COVID-19 Safety

As the coronavirus continues to spread quickly across the country, and vaccines are being distributed, it is essential that we emphasize COVID-19 safety. We will continue training our clients on the guidelines set in place by the CDC, WHO and OSHA to keep employees and businesses safe. COVID-19 is sure to get worse before it gets better, and STC is at the forefront of ensuring that our clients know the necessary precautions to stay safe in this difficult time.

Continuing to Build Our Partnerships

As always, STC will continue to build mutually beneficial partnerships with our clients to learn how we can best help protect your business and employees. We value our partnerships with our clients and the safety of their businesses above all else. In 2021, we will work hard to ensure that each of our clients are protected to the fullest extent of our managed safety services.

The Core Values of Our Managed Safety Services

Our core values will play a crucial role in the success of our business and our work with our clients in 2021. After 10 years of hard work in managed safety services, our core values are still as true to our business as the day they were written. Our entire team can recite them by heart. This year, we will be highlighting each and every one of our core values to stay true to the reason we got into this business, working hard to ensure that our clients go home safely each night.

Our Core Values:

  • Passionately Help Others Win
  • Make Great Plays
  • Be Genuinely Authentic
  • Earn a Seat at the Table
  • Enjoy the Journey

No matter how you choose to keep your employees and business protected in 2021, STC is always here to help you make it simple. Our team can be trusted to handle a wide variety of managed safety services aimed at making your safety our highest priority. Want to learn more about how STC serves as your partner in safety at the workplace? Check out our blog today!

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Protect Employees by Making Fall Protection Training a Priority

At STC, we are motivated to preserve human life through safety training and education. We believe that fall protection training is one of the most important lessons for any employee or employer to understand on the job site. Practicing proper fall protection can save the life of your business and employees. Here are the reasons why fall protection training is a priority:

Fall Protection is an Essential Safety Precaution

Slips and falls are not only one of the most dangerous accidents to happen on a job site, they are also one of the most common. In 2019, fall protection was the number one most cited OSHA violation, and they cause nearly 700 fatalities every year. Fall protection training can save your business and employees from the very real dangers of slips, trips and falls at the job site.

Fall Protection Training Can Save Lives

When employees and employers are trained on the dangers of falls and the necessary safety precautions to avoid them, safety at the workplace becomes a much simpler process. OSHA regulations require that fall protection be provided at elevations of four feet in most workplaces. Implementing proper fall protection is essential for many kinds of businesses.

Protecting Employees the Right Way

Implementing fall protection in your workplace is simple once you understand the basics. OSHA requires that every floor hole in which an employee can accidentally walk be covered by fall protection, as well as guard rails and toe-boards around every open-sided platform. Fall protection can also mean providing safeguards for employees working over dangerous machinery at any height.

No matter how you choose to satisfy these OSHA regulations, STC is here to help you make it simple with everything you need to keep your employees protected. We are here to help your business with managed safety services, onsite safety staffing, instructor-led trainings and much more. Want to learn more about how STC can help your business? Check out our blog today!

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The Top OSHA Violations Regarding COVID-19 Onsite

As the pandemic continues to spread rapidly around the world, so do the COVID-19 safety precautions intended to keep businesses, and their employees, safe. With the sudden rush of new onsite procedures, many companies have also found themselves with new OSHA violations they have never needed to think about before. Here are the top OSHA violations regarding COVID-19 onsite from your safety partners at STC:

Medical Evaluations and Fit Testing

The most frequently cited OSHA violations during COVID-19 inspections deal with respiratory protection, specifically the lack of medical evaluations and fit testing. Employers are required to provide an employee with a medical evaluation before fit testing them for a respirator. Each time a new respirator is used, the employee must be fit-check prior to using the respirator.

Respiratory Protection Program

The second most violated OSHA regulation dealing with COVID-19 is related to respiratory protection programs. Employers are required to establish, implement or update a respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures. They must also provide workers with the mandatory information from Appendix D (Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under Standard). Failure to comply will result in citations from OSHA.

Training OSHA Violations

Finally, the third most cited OSHA violations all deal with training and information. If an employer did not annually provide effective training and basic information as described in Appendix D, they may receive a citation. Employers are required to ensure that their employees are able to demonstrate knowledge of a wide variety of COVID-19 workplace safety topics. It is crucial that each employee is able to understand this information to practice it on the job.

If your company is like so many others that are struggling to stay up-to-date on the new OSHA regulations regarding COVID-19, STC is here to help you make it simple. We specialize in providing companies in a wide variety of industries with managed safety services, instructor-led trainings and safety consulting services. Want to learn more about how STC can help your business? Check out our blog today!

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Planning for Projects and Onsite Safety Staffing in 2021

At STC, we believe that it is never too early to start preparing for your business needs in the coming year. Many projects require things like onsite safety staffing and additional safety resources to be completed, and we are here to help you make the most of all your 2021 projects. Here is everything you need to know about onsite safety staffing from STC:

Our Onsite Safety Staffing is a Turnkey Solution

When your company requires onsite safety staffing to complete a project, the simplest solution is hiring STC to help you complete your project the safest way possible. We are your partner in safety, so we will handle all of the payroll, taxes, benefits and necessary equipment for getting the job done right. All you have to do is call STC for a quick fix for your onsite safety staffing.

A Nationwide Network of Qualified Professionals

When you work with STC, you will have access to a nationwide network of qualified safety professionals that are ready to help you with any project. Our team’s experience spans a wide variety of industries, each with a long list of satisfied clients and positive reviews. We can become an addition to your team and help your workforce prepare for every safety situation that might occur.

Our Extensive List of Qualified Industries

  • High-Profile New Construction
  • Manufacturing Shutdowns
  • Renovations
  • Outages
  • Demolitions
  • Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs
  • Contractor-Controlled Insurance Programs
  • Insurance Captives

The Simple Solution to Onsite Safety Staffing

STC makes the entire process of onsite safety staffing as simple as possible, no matter the project or industry. You will have access to top-quality safety professionals that are dedicated to helping your business succeed. We work hard to deliver a partnership experience that puts your needs first, whether you are adding to your team or we are taking on the safety needs of the entire project.

The benefits of hiring onsite safety staffing are overwhelming, and STC is here to help you with every step of the process, no matter how big or small your needs may be. Our team is guaranteed to provide excellent support from start to finish, and all of the highest-quality service you need to succeed. Want to learn more about STC services? Check out our blog today!

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Why Workplace Safety Training is Essential for Every Business

At STC, we believe that workplace safety training is one of the most essential parts of running a successful business and keeping employees happy. When you are prepared for every possible safety situation, nothing can get in your way to slow down productivity or cause injuries among workers. Here are the top reasons why workplace safety training is essential from STC:

Preventing Injury and Death for Employees

Whether it is being unaware of important safety precautions or simply ignoring them, many employees at a wide variety of businesses are still injured at work every year. According to OSHA, 4,679 workers were killed on the job in 2014, while over 3 million were injured. Workplace safety training can help prevent these injuries or deaths from happening at all.

Avoiding Financial Loss with Workplace Safety Training

While injuries and fatalities will affect the productivity and morale of employees at any business, there is also a great financial burden that comes along with these incidents. From workers comp to potential property damage and lawsuits, death and injury are sure to affect your company financially. The simple solution is preventing these incidents in the first place.

Major Productivity and Quality Increases

Workers tend to be happier at their job when their employer cares about their safety. If your company has a reputation for putting profits before safety, it is likely that employees will seek other jobs, or not perform as well in their current position. When employees feel respected, they will ultimately perform better at their jobs with higher quality and productivity.

No matter how you choose to care for the lives of your employees, STC is here to help you make safety simple with all of the services you need to prepare for every situation. We will help you conduct workplace safety training or provide managed safety services that build company culture and improve efficiency. Want to learn more about STC? Check out our blog today!

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The Top 5 Most Cited OSHA Violations in the Workplace

As anyone who follows OSHA standards knows, there are a ton of possible violations that can leave your business, and employees, at risk. At STC, we are dedicated to preserving human life by helping our clients find and eliminate OSHA violations before a fine or an injury occurs. Here are the top five most cited OSHA violations in the workplace during 2020 from STC:

1. Fall Protection, Construction

Accidental slips and falls are common in the construction industry and can cause significant injury or even death, especially at great heights. Keep your crew prepared for any accidental slips and falls by securing them with the proper equipment they need for safety on the job.

2. Hazard Communication Standard, General Industry

Chemical safety in the workplace is vital to keeping employees safe. In order to avoid any potentially dangerous interactions with hazardous chemicals, all hazardous chemicals must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, with additional training for workers.

3. Scaffolding, General Requirements, Construction

In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries reported 61 fatalities from scaffolds. Every fatality and injury resulting from improper scaffolding can be controlled by compliance with OSHA standards, potentially saving the lives of employees.

4. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), General Industry

Many forms of energy that are common in the workplace, such as hydraulic, electrical, thermal, chemical and many more, can be hazardous to workers if proper precautions are not taken. Proper lockout/tagout procedures can safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases.

5. Respiratory Protection, General Industry

Insufficient respiratory protection is another one of the OSHA violations that can cause permanent damage or death in certain situations. Harmful gases, dusts, smokes and vapors can cause cancers, diseases or death. Compliance with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard could potentially prevent hundreds of deaths and thousands of illnesses each year.

Prevent OSHA Violations with STC

STC is dedicated to helping companies resolve these issues to protect the lives of their employees and keep operations running as smoothly as possible. From managed safety services to onsite safety staffing and instructor-led safety training, our team is here to protect yours. Want to learn more about how we can prevent OSHA violations? Check out our blog today!

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