Healthy workers can have a notable impact on a business' bottom line, by boosting productivity and reducing not the rate of absenteeism and presenteeism. That is why worker health is becoming an increasing priority in the small business world, especially during flu season.

In our continuing series that highlights the views of industry experts, IMT recently picked the brain of Ken Tucker, an Occupational Safety and Health Program Manager for the Connecticut Labor Department's Division of Occupational Safety and Health.

IMT: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) estimates that $171 billion is lost annually due to workplace-related injuries or illnesses. Small businesses account for a significant portion of that loss, though many of them may not be able to afford hiring safety service professionals to help them reduce potential risks. What safety programs or special measures can small businesses implement to better protect their workers while operating within a limited budget?

KT: Regardless of the size of the business, employers can implement measures to better protect their workers. Establishment of effective worker safety and health programs can reduce the extent and severity of work related injuries and illness, improve morale and productivity, reduce absenteeism, and reduce workers' compensation costs. One example is establishing safety and health committees made up of management representatives and employees. Through the committees, workplace hazards can be identified and, with the support of management, hazards can be corrected. Allowing employees to be active in the identification of workplace hazards will improve the way they approach their work.

Each state operates an on-site consultation program where employers' can have the access to safety and health professionals. These professionals can evaluate the workplace to identify safety and health hazards, review existing safety and health programs, and offer suggestions for corrective actions for hazards found. These consultation services are voluntary, free of charge, and there are no citations proposed or penalties issued.

IMT: This flu season is expected to be particularly troublesome due to the risk posed by the H1N1 virus. Besides providing flu shots when available, how can companies prepare themselves for a potential outbreak in the workplace and alleviate people's worries? What can employers do to ensure businesses stays operational, or at least maintain critical functions, in case a significant portion of the workforce is absent due to the flu?

KT: There has been a great deal of information provided regarding the H1N1 flu. Employers can implement several basic procedures to assist them in preventing an outbreak, alleviate worker concerns and continue to be operational and maintain critical functions. These procedures include encouraging those employees with flu-like symptoms, including chills or fevers greater than 100°F, to stay at home. The employer may have to be flexible in their existing sick-time usage or work-at-home policies for this option to work.

Hand hygiene and cough etiquette should also be promoted by the company. Hand washing, alcohol-based rubs, disposable towels, sanitizing materials and "no touch" wastebaskets should be considered. Keeping the workplace clean by frequently cleaning commonly touched work surfaces and using disinfectants is desired.

The company should also plan for social distancing. In addition to keeping sick employees home, the employer should try to eliminate face-to-face meetings, by using conference calling and other technologies, and use flexible work assignments.

Having preplanned for a flu outbreak will allow employers the ability to adapt quicker and maintain their operations and critical functions than a company that waits for the flu to hit. Having a continuity of operations plan (COOP) will play a significant role for the company when a pandemic situation occurs, such as the H1N1 flu.

IMT: Although standards remain high, some of the most common safety violations still occur within industrial professions. Does the answer to reducing the rate of injury lie in external enforcement efforts or should more responsibility fall on the internal culture of companies themselves?

KT: The ability to reduce the most common safety violations is ultimately the responsibility of the employer. Those employers that promote a safety and health culture will be more successful than those who have not yet made the commitment. The state of our current economy, however, places some employers in the position of choosing production first and safety later.

External enforcement efforts are critical in ensuring that employers are forced to consider safety and health protection for their employees. In 2008, more than 5,000 workers died on the job due to workplace accidents in our country, not including the approximately 50,000 deaths due to occupational-related illnesses. This is far too many. A balance between OSHA enforcement and the employer internal culture is preferred, but it cannot be at the expense of the safety and health of our workers.

Kenneth Tucker is currently an Occupational Safety and Health Program Manager for the Connecticut Labor Department, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CONN-OSHA). He has worked for the Connecticut Labor Department since 1986. He worked as a health compliance officer for 18 years before being promoted to his current position. Ken has served in the field of occupational safety and health since 1974.