October 3, 2003

Boise State Program Helps Make Idaho Small Businesses Safer

Note to media: Several area businesses — including Bigelow tea company, a sign manufacturer, a pesticide manufacturer, and a job development workshop provider — are willing to be interviewed about their experiences with this consulting service. Call 426-1577 or 426-3283. Workplace hazards can result in serious injuries to employees and significant costs to employers in Idaho’s small businesses. The Occupational Safety and Health Consultation (OSHCon) program at Boise State University, which helps small businesses identify and correct safety and health hazards, has moved into of the College of Health Sciences, as of Oct. 1. The college’s Center for Health Policy will provide the administrative infrastructure for the OSHCon program and the new Boise State Center of Excellence for Environmental Health and Safety, which was recently approved by the State Board of Education. OSHCon’s move into the college will provide internship opportunities for health sciences students and will allow students to benefit from the expertise of the OSHCon consultants. In 2002-03, more than 300 small businesses — including hair salons, painters, radiator shops, piercing and tattoo shops, cabinet makers and many other businesses — have benefited from health and safety advice offered by the OSHCon program at Boise State. Instead of giving citations for safety violations as federal OSHA inspectors would do, the Boise State consultants identify problems and suggest solutions. The consulting service is confidential and free to Idaho businesses with less than 250 employees on site and fewer than 500 employees nationally. In existence for almost 19 years and funded by a federal OSHA grant, the program has seen a marked increase in demand for services. “It makes good business sense for employers to correct hazards in the workplace,” said Ryan Kuehmichel, former OSHA area director and current manager of the OSHCon program. “Safety conscious employers promote less overhead, increased employee morale and loyalty, reduced worker compensation claims and employee absenteeism, and an overall positive image for the company as a whole.” Services provided by the Boise State OSHCon program include on-site inspection, employee interviews, evaluation of training programs, air quality and noise testing, review of written programs, worksite training programs, and access to a large safety and health training video and materials library. The only costs to Idaho businesses are expenses incurred correcting the hazards. Examples of common hazards that are frequently identified are lack of machine guards to prevent cuts; extension cords used in place of fixed wiring; blocked or missing fire extinguishers and alarm panels; cluttered floors and work areas; blocked exits and passageways; frayed or loose cords and plugs on power tools; using forklifts without a seatbelt; and improper use or failure to use personal protective equipment (gloves, hardhats, safety glasses, respirators). Kuehmichel pointed out that employees and employers benefit by complying with health and safety standards. National statistics indicate that nearly 50 workers are injured every minute of the 40-hour workweek; about 17 of those injuries result in death; and workplace injuries cost society almost $128 billion in 1997, according to National Safety Council figures. Idaho small businesses that are interested in the OSHCon program services can contact a consultant at 208-426-3283, or visit http://www2.boisestate.edu/oshconsult. -30- Contact Justin Larson Occupational Safety and Health Consultation 208 426-3283 jlarson@boisestate.edu Media contact Pat Pyke News Services 208 426-1987 ppyke@boisestate.edu