EHS Today, a magazine dedicated to the management of risk in the workplace and environment, announced 12 companies have been named to the 2010 list of America's Safest Companies. Does it surprise you that no auto dealer made this list? My guess is that you have the same reaction as I had initially, thinking "what are the chances". Then I took a second look and found that 3 construction companies made the list. Do you really believe that construction companies are or should be any safer than dealerships? Come on.

Why should you care?

Here's my take on it: creating a positive safety culture is one of the most important things you can do for your employees. The benefits of a strong safety culture go beyond reduction in insurance premiums, limiting exposure to fines and lawsuits and reducing time lost to an accident. A safe and healthy workplace shows that you care about the well being of your employees. Employees are happiest and most productive in a workplace where they have a high degree of trust in management. A positive safety culture is an important factor in confirming management’s commitment to employees.

Do you care?

Where do you start if you do care? Here's a blogabout creating a safety culture that's too long to repeat here but it's a good starting point.