The last two issues I have used this column to talk about safety in the industry. One focused on safety on a job site, and then last month I discussed trench safety.
It’s an important time to be thinking about safety. We’re in the thick of summer now and all of your crews are hard at work, trying to get as much done in a day as possible.
So, you’re now using the proper equipment and clothing on the job site, you’re using trench boxes, and you’re pretty confident you’re doing everything you’re supposed to be doing to keep you and your crews safe. Have you contacted OSHA to ensure you are doing everything possible?
REACHING OUT TO OSHA
I can see the crazy looks you are all making as you’re reading that last paragraph. No, I’m not crazy; and yes, you can — and should — proactively reach out to OSHA. It’s called the On-Site Consultation Program.
We talk about this program in-depth in our Safety First feature this month. It is a no-cost, voluntary and confidential occupational safety and health service to small and medium-sized businesses. The program provides an opportunity for companies to work with the agency to find and fix hazards, achieve compliance, and establish or improve safety and health programs.
If something is found during the consultation, the company will not be penalized. The company’s only obligation is to correct serious safety and health hazards.
Doesn’t that already sound a lot better than getting slapped with a hefty fine if they come onto your site as a surprise? I know if I owned a company, I would be reaching out to them as soon as possible to make sure I’m in compliance.
BRANCHING OUT
What do you do if you’re considering branching out into your own company? One of the first things you’re likely doing is reaching out to other contractors, your own family and financial institutions to come up with the cash.
Coming up with the money to start your own operation can be one of the most stressful times of owning a company, but you shouldn’t let it be. There are several options that you, as a potential owner, should be looking at.
We go over several of those options in this month’s Smart Business feature where writer Joan Koehne talks to banking professionals about what is available.
Some of these options come with more risk than others, but you need to decide which method will work the best for you.
After you have the financial aspect figured out and your company is running, you need to make sure you are staying relevant to your customers. Both of our profiles in this issue found ways to stay relevant and become that one-stop shop for clients.
One company — Infra-Track — started off working in the septic business, while the other — Emergency Mr. Plumber — got its start in the plumbing industry. Both companies still do work in those industries, but they picked up other work like vacuum excavation and directional drilling to become even more valuable.
BECOMING A GO-TO
What can you do with your business to make it become a must-use service company? Are there services you are considering adding? Let me know at editor@digdifferent.com, or call me at 715-350-8436.
Enjoy this issue!
