OSHA isn’t a 4 letter word, it is 41 letters
OccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministration
During this time of isolation and shutdown for the ski industry, now is the time to do things we wouldn’t normally make time to do. We can’t be out interacting with guests and co-workers but we can take this time to improve our safety knowledge.
In 2019, I decided to do a little research about OSHA. All of my adult life I always thought of OSHA as a scary thing I never wanted to deal with. Just be “safe” and do a good job and hopefully never need to deal with OSHA.
In recent years the ski industry, according to NSAA (National Ski Areas Association), has had a sharp increase in significant incidents involving staff. This has put the ski industry on OSHA’s radar. Through my OSHA research I discovered two important things;
- OSHA was established to protect workers and employers.
- OSHA provides training to help make the workplace a safer place.
I completed a 30 hour online “General Industry” class for supervisors that covered a wide range of workplace situations and I have the certification card to prove it. Before doing a little research, I had no idea something like this was available. There is also a 10 hour General Industry class for workers. I highly recommend spending the $60 for the 10 hour online class for your key workers and, if you are an owner or manager/supervisor, the 30 hour class is well worth the time and money. Please note: a 30 hour class will take you many more hours to complete and you have 6 months to finish it.
Below is a link to the OSHA website for training. There are several certified training providers listed.
Be safe out there!
Sincerely,
Jason Sawin
Owner
CHS Snowmakers
