Asbestos Safety: A Priority for Businesses

Asbestos use has been more or less discontinued, but the risk of exposure to it still poses a threat even today. In fact, several occupations, particularly in the construction and shipbuilding trades, are considered to have a high risk of exposure to this toxic substance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have mandated regulations designed to protect workers from the dangers of asbestos. Following these standards should be a priority for every employer, especially those in trades that have a high risk for asbestos exposure, for the following reasons:

It protects workers’ health and safety.

OSHA’s safety regulations regarding asbestos exposure are specifically targeted to ensuring the safety of workers, and with good reason. Protecting workers’ health and safety is more than just a moral responsibility, it also translates to continuing progress in the work that’s needed to be done because of there being less stalling or problems due to illnesses or accidents.

It protects the general public.

Construction work, in particular, is commonly done in locations where a lot of people can pass by on a regular basis. Tall skyscrapers being built on a recently leveled-down corner plot in a block surrounded by other commercial buildings can be quite common in large cities. On the other hand, having small construction or repair jobs being done on new or existing houses and buildings is hardly an unusual sight in small communities. This is why following the standards set by the OSHA should be a priority, as doing so means not only protecting the workers’ rights to safety, but also protects the general public from being exposed to the dangers of asbestos.

It protects the company’s interests.

Companies need to gain profit from their businesses in order to keep employing workers and continuing to operate. Cutting corners, especially when it comes to the health and safety of workers, should be avoided as this could cost a lot in the long run. Refusing to comply with OSHA’s regulations on asbestos safety could result to millions of dollars lost to payment of penalties and lawsuits, and this could be particularly debilitating to small and medium-sized businesses. Partnering with reputable companies that provide safety training and certifications to workers across a range of occupations is a good way to look after the safety of employees as well as the protection of the company’s interests.

Ensuring workers’ safety, especially when dealing with jobs that risk exposure to asbestos, should be a priority for every employer. The workforce keeps the job going, but how companies protect the workforce and keep their best interests in place can mean the difference between a highly successful and profitable company and a failing business that a high turnover rate due to health problems.