Promoting and Rewarding Safe Practices in the Workplace

We recently discovered that March 25, 2011, was the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle (Shirtwaist) Factory Fire in New York City. The fire cost the lives of 146 workers.

The significance of the Triangle Factory Fire is that it galvanized American legislators into enacting laws to protect the safety of American workers. A full account of the fire and those who died, with dramatic photos and a listing of the names of the (mostly young) people, men and especially adolescent girls, is available from Cornell University. Of particular interest is the list of 13 fire hazards present that day, violations that would ultimately cost 146 people their lives.

Since we know that most of you, our readers, are interested in important subjects that impact the workplace, we invite you to share comments on this issue with others. One or more of the issues that you may want to comment on include:

- management’s endorsement and support of safety programs,
- the inclusion of employee ideas in the planning and operation of safety programs,
- the importance, if any, of collecting data over time,
- the importance of regularized training and education,

or, of course, any other aspect of the issue. Thank you for sharing your ideas.

Joining Forces: “The force behind the force.”

“Joining Forces” is a campaign initiated by Michelle Obama and Jill Biden to highlight the challenges of military families: the wives, husbands, and children of the 2.2 million soldiers, sailors, and airmen/women serving abroad. Mrs. Obama has said, “Our military families deserve our respect and support at every stage of their lives–no matter who is in office” (as announced on NBC’s “Dateline” on May 2, 2011). The focus of the initiative is “helping families cope with issues related to employment, education and health” (according to USA Today). Among the early commitments to Joining Forces are: - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (who will hold 100 hiring fairs around the country to help 50,000 veterans and military spouses find jobs outside of government). - Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club (who will guarantee a job at a nearby store to military family members who have been transferred to another part of the country). - The YMCA, National Military Family Association, and Sierra Club Foundation (who will offer free summer camp to 7,000 military kids at camps in 35 states this summer). - NASCAR (who will partner with Wal-Mart to produce a public service announcement campaign recognizing the sacrifices and challenges military families face throughout the United States). An extensive study of how returning military members and their families are faring was conducted by Capella University, Minneapolis. The conclusion: “Needs aren’t being met. Despite increased national attention on these issues, too many servicemembers and families aren’t getting the help they need.” What do you think? Any ideas to help? Any commitments?