From all of us at Gibson, we wish you peace, prosperity, and a happy new year!

In November 2016 OSHA issued a final rule on walking-working surfaces and personal fall protection systems. Most provisions of the new rule become effective on January 17, 2017. Is your workplace ready to comply with the updated OSHA standard?

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Juliann Jankowski, Executive Director of Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka and Incoming Board President for National Association of Leadership Programs. We hope you enjoy Juliann’s wisdom and perspective!

As leaders, whether it be of a business, a community organization, or a family, it is imperative we realize the importance of truly putting the needs of others first. How can I help my employees do their jobs to the best of their ability? Am I listening to their needs and concerns? Am I adequately praising as well as providing coaching and feedback? Am I encouraging and supporting others to reach their full potential? Am I giving them opportunities to grow and develop? Am I making the difficult decisions I need to make for the good of the individual and of the organization?

A nonprofit’s board of directors sets the organization’s direction. They set the tone and directly impact the organization’s ability to live its mission. So if they aren’t operating effectively, your organization’s risk of doing something wrong or even failing increases.

Each year OSHA releases the 10 most frequently cited standards. Many of the same standards have found themselves on this list in recent years. For the sixth year in a row, Fall Protection (Standard 1926.501) tops the lists. And the only change from 2015 to 2016 is the Machine Guarding and Electrical Wiring swapped spots. 

Are you taking proper precautions to avoid these hazards in your facility and promote workplace safety?

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Adam Kronk, Head of School for La Lumiere School. We hope you enjoy Adam’s wisdom and perspective.

I might have stumbled across something pretty profound. Just maybe, it could be the key to unlocking the potential in our teams, a critical component to happiness in our homes, and a promising way to mend our fractured society, one relationship at a time.

It’s a question, actually. And it’s simple: “What are you going through?” The process starts by asking someone—anyone, pretty much—this question. (Or using the true investigation of this question as the point of your conversation.)

It can be a challenge in of itself to find quality talent. But once you hire those individuals, do you struggle with retaining them? Employee retention is a costly issue facing many contractors.

Are your workers safely entering and exiting vehicles or equipment? Especially in wet, snowy, or icy conditions, the process of entering or exiting can be quite dangerous. Workers can get injured when mounting and dismounting trucks, forklifts, heavy equipment, and aerial work platforms.

What is the safest method for entering and exiting a vehicle or equipment?

The recommend practice is the 3-point rule. This means always having at least three points of contact with the equipment - two hands & one foot or one hand & two feet. Following the 3-point rule will provide you with the most stability, and therefore reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Mike Cahill, President & CEO of Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana. We hope you enjoy Mike’s wisdom and perspective.

Many years ago, as a young man, I learned an important lesson. At the time I did not appreciate it as much as I do today. I started at a fast-growing company at the age of 25 and moved up rapidly. As I moved up, many of my former colleagues who I socialized with and were my work peers became my direct reports. I was proud that ‘I did not change’ as my position changed. We were able to work with each other, talk openly with each other, and still keep our social lives unchanged…or so I thought.

Maintaining compliance is important for every organization. But it can be difficult to keep up with the changing regulations. And especially with a new president taking office soon, there are currently a lot of questions about the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and what it will mean to you as an employer.

As 2016 draws to a close, we’d like to highlight a few important updates regarding the ACA as well as considerations regarding its future.