What is safety? According to the dictionary, safety is defined as “the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss.” It’s important to note that safety is an artificial concept; it doesn’t occur naturally. In order for safety to exist, several steps must be taken. First, hazards must be identified, then strategies to avoid or minimize these hazards must be devised. Additionally, everyone involved must understand the necessary processes and steps. Furthermore, the concept of safety requires adaptation as more experience is gained or lessons are learned, and those involved must be kept updated. At EMI, landscaping safety is a high priority that brings multiple benefits including for clients.
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At EMI, landscaping safety takes high priority, and our statistics serve as evidence of this commitment. We firmly believe that safety is a fundamental right, comparable to our Constitutional Rights. This belief permeates from the CEO down to the newest employee on their first day. New hires go through classroom orientation where they watch instructional videos about EMI’s identity and the general safety regulations and protocols. Subsequently, they receive comprehensive training from our dedicated Training Department. This training equips them to perform their basic departmental tasks safely and operate various equipment, power tools, and hand tools. Thanks to this meticulous onboarding process, we’ve managed to decrease incident rates by 22% compared to the previous year, all while enhancing operational efficiency and the quality of service we provide to our customers.
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But just how safe is EMI? Safety is quantified using the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Recordable Incident Rate (RIR), a metric used to assess a company’s safety performance. RIR is calculated as the number of workers injured per 100 workers. In 2021 we outperformed other Landscaping Service Companies by an impressive 29%. On a national scale, where the RIR includes all professions, EMI demonstrated superior safety performance, surpassing this figure by 19%.
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How does EMI’s safety affect our clients, vendors, and employees? A safe company has a lower employee turnover rate, increased productivity, fewer lost work days, and a better reputation. Lower turnover empowers us to retain a pool of skilled professionals, who, armed with years of training and site-specific knowledge, exponentially enhance our productivity. Fewer lost work days avert the twin pitfalls of reduced earnings for employees and heightened costs for the company. By minimizing these lost days, we ensure seamless adherence to project schedules and cost-effectiveness for our clients. Safety forms the bedrock of trust and credibility. A company that prioritizes the safety and well-being of its employees, customers, and partners sends a strong message about its commitment to ethical practices and responsible conduct.
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When addressing safety at EMI, we delve beyond the clichés often associated with it. Safety transcends buzzwords; it embodies values such as prioritizing people, fostering relationships, continuous learning, showing respect, and prioritizing overall well-being. By championing these principles, we truly embrace the essence of safety and its empowering nature. When everyone is empowered, they grasp the underlying “Why?” of safety. This collective empowerment not only motivates efficient work but also ensures that everyone can return to their loved ones at the end of each day.
