US Compliance Systems Inc. dba OWYN Safety

12/22/2025

Using Common Sense to Stay Safe: Lessons from Real-Life Tragedies
By: Keith Dague
December 22, 2025


In our last Safety E-QuickTip, we discussed the importance of common sense in workplace safety. This week, we will explore real-life incidents that illustrate how ignoring common sense can lead to tragic outcomes. These stories serve as stark reminders that safety is not just about following rules; it’s about using our instincts and knowledge to create a safer environment for everyone.

1. The Telecommunications Tower Incident:
A foreman on a telecommunications tower project faced pressure to finish work quickly to make it home for Thanksgiving. Believing he could cut corners, he altered the rigging method to lower a section of the tower. Despite objections from his team, the work proceeded. Tragically, the foreman sustained a fatal injury when the section fell on him. Common Sense Insight: Always adhere to established safety protocols, regardless of external pressures.

2. The Roofer’s Fatal Decision:
A superintendent warned a roofing contractor that winds were expected to pick up in a couple of hours and advised them to secure items and get off the roof. The roofer chose to ignore this warning and continued working. When the winds picked up, a new 18-year-old worker was blown off the building to his death. Common Sense Insight: Take weather warnings seriously and act promptly to ensure safety.

3. Fall Protection Training Gone Wrong:
During fall protection training, one worker argued that the safety requirements were unrealistic and more dangerous than working without them. Ironically, this worker had previously fallen off a flat roof, breaking multiple bones and requiring rods in his leg. Despite his injuries, he remained adamant about his stance. Common Sense Insight: Trust the experts and prioritize safety over personal opinions.

4. The Industrial Laminating Machine Accident:
A young man operating an industrial laminating machine decided to remove a guard to make an adjustment while the machine was still running. His shirt got caught in the gears, violently pulling him into the machine and breaking his collarbone. This incident was caught on film, serving as a grim reminder of the dangers of neglecting safety protocols. Common Sense Insight: Always shut down machinery before making adjustments to prevent accidents.

Building a Culture of Safety
These incidents illustrate that safety is often about being aware of our surroundings and taking the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others. Promoting a culture of safety in the workplace is essential for preventing accidents and injuries.

Employee QuickTip: Always use common sense by being aware of your surroundings and reporting any safety hazards you encounter.

Management QuickTip: Foster a culture of safety by encouraging open communication and modeling safe behavior for employees.

Safety is just as simple as using common sense. By being aware of our surroundings, taking responsibility for our own safety, and promoting a culture of safety, we can create a safer workplace for everyone. Remember to take the quiz and see how well you understand the importance of common sense in workplace safety.

Happy Holiday's - Stay Safe!

Your OWYN Safety Solution Team

12/19/2025

As Hanukkah comes to an end and Christmas and Kwanza begin, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

12/15/2025

Is Safety as Simple as Using Common Sense?
By: Keith Dague
December 15, 2025


Is Safety Just as Simple as Using Common Sense?

When it comes to workplace safety, we often hear the phrase "common sense" thrown around. But what does that really mean? Is safety just a matter of using common sense?

The answer is a resounding yes! Safety is not just a set of rules and regulations; it’s about using our instincts and knowledge to create a safer environment for everyone.

To help you understand how simple safety can be, we’ve put together a quiz with five questions about safety in the workplace. The answers should be obvious if you are using common sense.

1. Is workplace safety someone else’s responsibility or is it everyone’s? Common Sense Answer: Everyone's. Safety is a shared responsibility; everyone plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace.

2. Is it common sense to keep work areas clean and organized? Common Sense Answer: Yes, a clean and organized space prevents accidents and improves efficiency.

3. Should you report safety hazards when you see them? Common Sense Answer: Yes, addressing hazards promptly prevents accidents and protects everyone.

4. Is it common sense to use equipment and tools for their intended purpose? Common Sense Answer: Yes, using tools as intended reduces the risk of injury and ensures safety.

5. Is it common sense to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when required? Common Sense Answer: Yes, wearing PPE is essential for personal safety and injury prevention.

These questions may seem basic, but they serve as a reminder that safety is often about being aware of our surroundings and taking the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others.

Why Common Sense Matters

When we talk about common sense, we are referring to the innate ability to make sound judgments based on practical experience. In the context of safety, common sense means understanding potential hazards and taking proactive steps to mitigate them.

For example, if you see a spilled liquid on the floor, common sense tells you to clean it up or report it to prevent someone from slipping and falling. If you notice that a co-worker is not wearing the required PPE, common sense tells you to remind them to wear it or report it to a supervisor.

Building a Culture of Safety

Promoting a culture of safety in the workplace is essential for preventing accidents and injuries. When everyone takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their co-workers, we create a safer environment for everyone.

Here are some ways to build a culture of safety in your workplace:

• Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting safety hazards and concerns.

• Provide Training: Offer regular safety training to ensure that employees understand the importance of safety and how to identify potential hazards.

• Lead by Example: Management should model safe behavior and take safety seriously.

In conclusion, safety is just as simple as using common sense. By being aware of our surroundings, taking responsibility for our own safety, and promoting a culture of safety, we can create a safer workplace for everyone. Remember to take the quiz and see how well you understand the importance of common sense in workplace safety.

Employee QuickTip: Always use common sense by being aware of your surroundings and reporting any safety hazards you encounter.

Management QuickTip: Foster a culture of safety by encouraging open communication and modeling safe behavior for employees.

Have you received your first Safety E-QuickTip and would like to check out some QuickTips from the past? Check out our Safety E-QuickTips Archive Page on our website.

If you know of someone or a company that might benefit from receiving Safety E-QuickTips, please take a moment to share this with them so they can sign-up today.

Stay Safe - You've Got This!

Your OWYN Safety Solution Team

12/11/2025

Are you making a list and checking it twice? Let us help you keep it nice! Our online trainings can help make your companies 2026 the safest year yet!

Safety Training Services: Streamline workplace safety with OWYN's online training. Meet OSHA standards and reduce stress with engaging courses, quick safety meetings, and toolbox talks.

12/08/2025

Building a Safety Culture – Protecting What Matters Most
By: Keith Dague
December 8, 2025


In our previous Safety E-QuickTip, we discussed the importance of implementing a 3-step plan to make everyone a safety expert through the "See a Hazard – Fix It Together" program. This week, we want to build on that foundation by emphasizing the importance of protecting what matters most: employees, reputation, and profits.

The Connection Between Safety and Success

Creating a culture of safety ownership is not just about compliance; it's about recognizing that safety is integral to the success of your organization. When employees feel safe, they are more engaged and productive. Additionally, a strong safety record enhances your company's reputation and protects profits.

Key Takeaways to Bridge the Gap

1. Encourage Proactive Hazard Identification: As we discussed last week, encouraging open communication about safety concerns is crucial. This week let's build on that by emphasizing the importance of identifying hazards before they lead to incidents. Encourage employees to not only report hazards but also to suggest solutions for minimizing risks.
2. Celebrate Safety Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate the proactive measures taken to protect everyone from serious accidents caused by exposure to hazards. Recognizing and celebrating safety successes reinforces the idea that safety is a shared responsibility and contributes to a positive safety culture.
3. Focus on Continuous Improvement: Safety is not a one-time effort; it requires continuous improvement. Encourage employees to share their insights and experiences in safety discussions. Their feedback is essential for fostering a culture of safety ownership and ensuring that safety measures are effective and relevant.

By connecting the concepts of safety ownership and protecting what matters most, we can create a comprehensive approach to workplace safety that benefits everyone. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility that requires commitment from all levels of the organization. Together, we can protect what truly matters.

Employee QuickTip: Take ownership of your safety by actively participating in discussions and sharing your insights; your contributions can help protect what matters most.

Management QuickTip: "Recognize and celebrate safety successes to reinforce the importance of safety and encourage continuous improvement."

12/03/2025

Our owner has always had a passion for construction, and you can see it in this holiday village. Enjoy this video!

Check out Wickedlywhippeddesserts’s video.

12/02/2025

Implementing a 3-Step Plan to Make Everyone a Safety Expert – See a Hazard, Fix it Together!
By: Keith Dague
December 1, 2025


Building on our previous discussion about gaining buy-in for a culture of safety ownership, it’s time to implement a simple 3-Step Plan to make everyone on the job site a safety expert through the “See a Hazard - Fix It Together” program. Remember, this is not about finger-pointing; it’s about creating an environment that minimizes hazards and keeps everyone safe, understanding that accidents can happen despite our best efforts.

1. Training for Everyone: Conduct targeted training sessions that focus on areas of exposure specific to your job site. Emphasize that everyone understands the hazards they may be exposed to while performing their work and how to identify and effectively eliminate them. The goal is not to cover every possible safety topic but to ensure that everyone understands the hazards they may be exposed to while performing their work.

2. Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing safety concerns and suggesting solutions. Regular team discussions about safety can help bridge gaps between management and employees, creating a culture of collaboration. We want to ensure that no one avoids reporting an accident for fear of ruining a record of “100 days accident-free.” This can lead to hesitance in reporting when something does go wrong because they feel they have let the team down.

3. Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate the proactive measures taken to protect everyone from serious accidents caused by exposure to hazards. While minor accidents may require a band-aid, our primary focus is on preventing serious incidents. The goal is to minimize exposure to hazards at all times, to the best of our ability.

Employee QuickTip: "Get involved in safety discussions and share your insights; your voice can help make our workplace safer for everyone."

Management QuickTip: "Encourage open communication by actively listening to employee concerns; their feedback is essential for fostering a culture of safety ownership."

11/26/2025

Have a safe Thanksgiving!

11/25/2025

Gaining Buy-In for a Culture of Safety Ownership - Eliminate the Hassle Before It Starts!
By: Keith Dague
November 24, 2025


The Current State of Safety and Beyond

As we continue our journey toward a robust safety culture, we must focus on gaining buy-in from both management and employees. The success of the “See a Hazard – Fix it Together” approach hinges on the active involvement of everyone in the organization. To create a culture of safety ownership, it’s essential to identify key individuals who can champion this initiative and drive it forward.

A Couple Definitions are in Order

See a Hazard – Fix It Together: A transformative safety culture that empowers every employee to recognize hazards and take immediate action to eliminate them in collaboration with their coworkers. By fostering this collective responsibility, we can prevent accidents, minimize job delays, protect our company’s reputation, and preserve profits. In this way, safety becomes a shared value that enhances productivity and strengthens teamwork.

Safety Experts - Every individual on the job site who actively identifies, addresses, and communicates safety concerns, contributing to a culture of safety ownership. This includes employees, management, and safety professionals who collaborate to create a safer work environment.

The Challenge: Engaging Diverse Employee Mindsets

When implementing a new safety culture like “See a Hazard – Fix It Together” that involves everyone becoming a “Safety Expert”, you’ll encounter a spectrum of employee mindsets. Some will eagerly embrace the change, while others may be hesitant or resistant. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for building momentum.

The Process: Identifying Key Influencers for Safety

1. Management Buy-In: Identify leaders who can influence others and are open to change. These individuals will be instrumental in promoting the initiative and modeling desired behaviors.
2. Employee Starters: Seek out employees who are enthusiastic about changes that benefit themselves and others. These starters can help bridge the gap between management and the rest of the workforce.
3. Identify Early Adopters: Look for individuals who are open to trying new things and can serve as role models for their peers. Encourage them to share their experiences and successes to inspire others.
4. Build a Coalition: Form a group of both management and employee starters who can collaborate on safety initiatives. This coalition will help maintain momentum and foster a sense of ownership throughout the organization.

The Benefits: A Unified Commitment to Safety

When you successfully engage key advocates, you can expect several positive outcomes:

• Increased Engagement: Employees will feel more invested in safety initiatives when they see their peers actively participating.
• Enhanced Communication: Open dialogue between management and employees will create a culture of trust and collaboration.
• Sustained Momentum: As more employees become involved, the safety culture will gain traction, making it easier to implement new initiatives.

The Value of Buy-In: Protecting What Matters Most

Creating a culture of safety ownership requires buy-in from both management and employees. By identifying key advocates and engaging them in the process, you can build momentum and create a safer workplace for everyone. Remember, safety is not just a priority; it’s a collective effort that leads to long-term success.

Conclusion: A Worthwhile Investment

While gaining buy-in for a culture of safety ownership may be challenging, the rewards are worth the effort. By investing in employee training and engagement, companies can create a safer, more productive work environment that benefits everyone involved. Let’s work together to create a safer environment for everyone. Remember, safety is not just a priority; it’s a collective effort that leads to long-term success.

Employee QuickTip: "Be an advocate for safety by sharing your experiences and encouraging your peers to embrace a culture of safety ownership—together, we can make our workplace safer."

Management QuickTip: "Identify and empower “Safety Experts” within your company to create a culture of safety ownership, enhancing engagement and communication while building momentum for a safer workplace."

11/24/2025

Company retreat this weekend! It was nice to meet in person to work on the next year.

11/21/2025

Understanding Your Company’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR): The Value of Safety in Business

In today’s competitive business landscape, understanding your company’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR) is vital for managing risk and controlling costs. The EMR is a crucial metric used in the insurance industry to determine worker’s compensation premiums, reflecting a company’s safety record and risk profile. A lower EMR indicates a better safety record, leading to lower insurance costs and increased profitability. Conversely, a higher EMR can result in higher insurance premiums, impacting the bottom line. This article explores the value of understanding your company’s EMR, its implications for safety culture, and how it can drive long-term success.

What is the Experience Modification Rate (EMR)?

The Experience Modification Rate (EMR) is a numerical representation of a company’s safety record compared to industry averages. It is calculated by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) based on a company’s claims history over the past three years. The EMR is used by insurance companies to adjust workers’ compensation premiums based on a company’s risk profile.

EMR Calculation: A company with an EMR of 1.0 has an average safety record compared to its industry peers. An EMR below 1.0 indicates a better-than-average safety record, while an EMR above 1.0 indicates a worse-than-average record.
Impact on Premiums: A lower EMR can lead to reduced workers’ compensation premiums, providing significant cost savings for businesses.
The Value of Understanding Your EMR

Cost Control:
Lower Premiums: A lower EMR can result in lower workers’ compensation premiums, freeing up resources for other areas of the business. This can improve profitability and provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Budgeting: Understanding your EMR allows for more accurate budgeting and forecasting of insurance costs, leading to better financial planning.
Informed Decision-Making:
Risk Assessment: Analyzing your EMR can help identify areas of risk within your organization. This understanding allows for informed decision-making regarding safety investments and training programs.
Benchmarking: Understanding your EMR allows for benchmarking against industry standards, helping identify areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Improved Safety Culture:
Employee Engagement: A focus on improving the EMR can foster a culture of safety within the organization. Employees are more likely to engage in safety initiatives when they understand the financial implications of accidents and injuries.
Training and Awareness: Understanding the EMR can lead to increased investment in training and awareness programs, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Enhanced Reputation:
Client Trust: A lower EMR can enhance your company’s reputation, building trust with clients and partners. Companies with a strong safety record are more likely to attract and retain clients.
Competitive Advantage: A lower EMR can provide a competitive advantage in bidding for contracts, as clients often prefer to work with companies that prioritize safety.
Long-Term Sustainability:
Risk Management: Understanding the EMR can lead to better risk management practices, reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents and injuries. This proactive approach can lead to long-term sustainability and success.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly monitoring and analyzing the EMR can lead to continuous improvement in safety practices, ensuring a safer workplace for employees.
Conclusion

Understanding your company’s Experience Modification Rate (EMR) is crucial for managing risk and controlling costs. A lower EMR can lead to reduced workers’ compensation premiums, improved safety culture, and enhanced reputation, providing a competitive advantage in the marketplace. By focusing on safety and understanding the implications of the EMR, businesses can drive long-term success and sustainability. Investing in safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a strategic business decision that can lead to increased profitability and growth.

Call to Action

Take Control of Your EMR Today! Visit OWYNsafety.com to learn how our All-In-One Safety Program can help you reduce your Experience Modification Rate and create a safer, more profitable workplace.

Be sure to contact your workers’ compensation provider to assess your current EMR and understand how it impacts your bottom line!

Streamline safety and compliance with OWYN Safety's all-in-one platform. Tailored programs, OSHA compliance, and online training to protect your business.

11/18/2025

Our thoughts go to Amber's family and friends.

I am bringing awareness to the community. Unfortunately, one of our fellow sisters was murdered at the worksite due to hate. As you are aware, many women face discrimination and harassment in blue collar jobs. This type of ill behavior needs to STOP. Too many women are harassed at work. Some companies brush it off by saying its "just words". NO. This type of behavior is NOT OKAY.

We need to join forces to speak up and protect our sisters, mothers, daughters, aunts, and ALL women!

NAWIC LA Chapter #42 Western Wall & Ceiling Contractors Association National Association of Women in Construction ASSP Long Beach American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) in Safety Al Solis Albert R. Renteria Angel De Guerra, EPhD Candidate OSHA Safety Training Institute Yolanda Maria Baber, M.B.S. Megan Shapiro, Esq. Jesus (Jesse) Hernandez Jennifer Lacy