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Bobby Lewis

The Heart of Your Business: Why the Right “Investment” Can Make All the Difference

In the intricate dance of running a successful business, your employees are the heartbeat, the driving force that propels your company forward. Their safety and well-being should be at the forefront of your priorities, not just for ethical reasons, but because a safe workforce is an efficient and productive one. At Hellman & Associates, we understand the heartbeat of your business, and we offer more than just services – we offer an investment in the safety and prosperity of your employees.

Investing in Your Most Valuable Asset: Your Employees

The success of any business is intricately tied to the health and happiness of its workforce. Your employees are the heart and soul of your operations, and their well-being directly impacts productivity, morale, and the overall success of your company. Investing in safety is not just a compliance requirement; it is a strategic move to protect your most valuable asset.

When you choose Hellman & Associates, you’re not just outsourcing EHS compliance management; you’re investing in a comprehensive safety program that goes beyond meeting regulatory standards. Our approach is rooted in a delicate balance – we blend regulatory compliance and risk management with internal cost savings, timely service, and a touch of common sense.

The ASSUREDCompliance® Advantage

In 2005, we introduced the ASSUREDCompliance® program, an annual partnership that guarantees compliance with OSHA and other regulatory agencies. The success of this program speaks volumes, with an impressive 98% renewal rate. This isn’t just a service; it’s a commitment to providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your workplace is safe, secure, and compliant.

Our dedication to safety took a significant step in 2010 when Hellman & Associates became one of just three consultancies in the country to achieve the OSHA Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Star Site Status. This elite status is not just a badge of honor; it’s a testament to our commitment to helping our clients achieve a workplace with 50% fewer workplace injuries.

For over two decades, we’ve been helping our partners target zero incidents. Today, we proudly serve over 500 clients across the United States. Our services go beyond mere compliance – we provide strategy, management, and technical expertise to develop environmental health and safety programs that withstand the scrutiny of regulatory agencies.

Case Study: Coblaco Services, Inc.

Consider the case of Coblaco Services, Inc., a Colorado-based industrial coating company with over 30 years of experience and more than 10 million work hours. With a portfolio including major league sports stadiums, power generation plants, and bridges, Coblaco faced a challenge. Their workers’ comp mod rate was steadily increasing, posing a significant expense to the company.

The challenge was not unique. Many small businesses, like Coblaco, lack the budget for a full-time environmental health and safety (EHS) position. However, management, despite recognizing the importance of safety, often lacks the time or qualifications to implement a comprehensive program.

In this scenario, Coblaco made a strategic decision by hiring Hellman & Associates to provide ASSUREDCompliance® annual contract services. The goal was clear – identify and remedy program gaps and manage their EHS program effectively.

Hellman & Associates conducted an EHS and Department of Transportation (DOT) audit when Coblaco acquired a new company without a safety program. They seamlessly onboarded new employees to the safety culture that H&A had helped cultivate over the past decade.

The results were transformative:

  • Coblaco’s workers’ comp mod rate dropped from 1.39 to 0.67, the lowest in the company’s 30-year history.
  • Colorado cost containment certification was achieved and maintained.
  • Accidents in the workplace reduced significantly.
  • The organization achieved buy-in at all levels with the Zero-In on Safety program.
  • Coblaco could bid on more and larger projects, expanding their business opportunities.

Why Invest in Hellman’s Services?

Imagine OSHA walking through your door today. Would you be prepared? The evolving landscape of OSHA policies demands a proactive approach. Fines are becoming steeper, and the complexity of regulatory requirements can be overwhelming, especially for businesses with multiple facilities or locations.

Hellman & Associates’ Compliance Action Assessment is your shield against regulatory gaps and liabilities. This comprehensive assessment identifies potential risks that could lead to injuries, citations, or fines from OSHA, the EPA, DOT, or other regulatory bodies. The assessment provides a snapshot of your current risk exposure and a detailed action plan to achieve compliance.

We meticulously evaluate:

  • OSHA-required programs applicable to your industry and workplace.
  • OSHA training requirements to ensure your workforce is well-prepared.
  • OSHA-required hazard identification for a proactive approach to safety.
  • OSHA-required recordkeeping to maintain a thorough compliance history.
  • EPA and DOT requirements to cover a spectrum of regulatory expectations.

Investing in our Compliance Action Assessment is not just a step towards compliance; it’s a strategic move to safeguard your employees and your business from potential risks. It’s an investment in the heart of your business – your employees.

Love Your Employees, Invest in Safety

As you contemplate the heart of your business and the well-being of your employees, take a moment to consider the impact of a comprehensive safety program. Hellman & Associates offers more than a service; we provide an investment in the safety and prosperity of your workforce. It’s time to prioritize safety, compliance, and the overall health of your business.

Take the next step in securing the heart of your business. Book a call with us here.

Let’s discuss how our services can be the strategic investment that makes all the difference.

In the journey towards a safer, more compliant workplace, Hellman & Associates is your trusted partner, offering not just services, but a commitment to the heart of your business – your employees.

The Heart of Your Business: Why the Right “Investment” Can Make All the Difference Read More »

Setting Safety Goals for the New Year: How Our Safety & Health Programs Can Help

As we step into the new year, prioritizing safety and health in the workplace is more crucial than ever. In the dynamic landscape of environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance, staying abreast of regulatory changes and proactively managing risks is paramount. At Hellman & Associates, we understand the challenges businesses face in navigating these complexities. With over two decades of experience, we continue to be a trusted partner in providing outsourced EHS compliance management services that not only protect your workforce but also keep your company in line with evolving regulatory requirements. Our goal as your partner is to develop a deep culture of safety and make your employees safe at work.

Navigating the New Reporting Rule 2024

A significant development in the realm of occupational safety is the amendment to OSHA’s injury and illness recordkeeping regulation, effective January 1, 2024. OSHA now mandates certain employers, particularly those with peak employment of 100 or more employees during the previous calendar year, to electronically submit injury and illness information annually. This includes data from OSHA Forms 300 and 301. The industries subject to this requirement are outlined on the official OSHA website.

For our AssuredCompliance® clients, this regulatory change is seamlessly managed. Hellman & Associates not only assists in compliance management but also guides clients through the intricacies of OSHA filings. Our commitment goes beyond advising; we actively work with you to ensure that your safety program is not just in place but thoroughly documented, leaving you worry-free in the event of an OSHA inspection.

Establishing a Compliance Calendar for 2024

To successfully navigate the evolving landscape of EHS compliance, companies need a strategic approach. One effective method is to establish a safety management system tailored to your company’s requirements. At Hellman & Associates, our approach is simple yet comprehensive—we balance regulatory compliance and risk management with internal cost savings, timely service, and common sense.

Industry knowledge is crucial when setting up a compliance calendar, a key component of a safety management system. Our experienced team brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, helping you prioritize tasks and stay on track with the right actions at the right time. Whether it’s OSHA filings, safety program assessments, required training or Industrial Hygiene to determine employee exposures, our comprehensive approach ensures that your compliance efforts are not just reactive but proactive.

Setting Yourself Up for Success in 2024 – Tips You Can Implement

As you embark on the new year, there are several proactive steps you can take to set yourself up for success in managing EHS compliance:

Regular Audits and Assessments: Conduct regular audits of your safety programs and policies. Identify gaps and liabilities that could result in citations, fines or injuries. Hellman & Associates specializes in compliance action assessments, helping you address issues before they become serious problems.

Training and Education: Invest in targeted training for your workforce. Education not only reduces workers’ compensation costs and incident rates but also helps you avoid citations and penalties for noncompliance. Hellman & Associates offers OSHA, DOT,  safety and compliance training tailored to your specific needs.

Outsourcing for Efficiency: Consider outsourcing your EHS compliance management. Hellman & Associates’ AssuredCompliance® program has a proven track record with a 98% renewal rate. By partnering with us, you can achieve and maintain compliance for a fraction of the cost of an in-house safety manager.

How Outsourcing Can Help You

In the face of evolving regulations and the need for proactive safety measures, outsourcing your EHS compliance management becomes a strategic move. Hellman & Associates, with its AssuredCompliance® program, offers a comprehensive solution. Our experienced team becomes an extension of your workforce, providing strategy, management, and technical expertise to develop environmental health and safety programs that stand the test of regulatory scrutiny.

If you’re already an AssuredCompliance® client, we invite you to reach out and discuss the implications of the amended OSHA reporting rule. For those considering our services, let’s explore how we can help you achieve and maintain compliance efficiently and cost-effectively.

At Hellman & Associates, safety isn’t just a job—it’s our passion. As we enter the new year, let’s work together to create a workplace culture built on health and safety best practices. Because when it comes to the well-being of your employees, there’s no compromise. Here’s to a safe and successful 2024 and beyond!

Setting Safety Goals for the New Year: How Our Safety & Health Programs Can Help Read More »

Why Outsource?

 

You can’t do everything!

Well, I guess you can try but can you do them all well at the same time? One of the biggest hurdles businesses encounters is management attempting to do everything alone. Handling all facets of the business can lead to burnout and increased stress levels for management potentially affecting their health and business performance. To be most successful, owners need to focus on their core competencies. So, ask yourself: what do you do best?

Handling every task can divert your attention from what you do best. Just imagine how much better your company would function if you chose to outsource the areas for which your company lacks the resources to handle. One of these areas that is frequently lacking expertise and resources is environmental health and safety.

We offer a six-figure safety team for your company at a fraction of the cost.

As budgets continue to be tight for American companies, Hellman & Associates offers their client partners an option to create a safe environment for their employees at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time department.

Companies outsource various operation aspects as it can offer benefits. Here are some common reasons why businesses choose to outsource EH&S needs:

  • Cost Savings: Outsourcing EH&S tasks can be more cost-effective than hiring in-house staff. Hellman & Associates offers a way to save money on salaries, benefits, office space and equipment.
  • Focus on Core Activities: Outsourcing safety tasks allows companies to concentrate on core competencies and strategic goals. This way, a company can redirect resources towards growing their business.
  • Access to Specialized Skills: Outsourcing your EH&S needs provides expertise without the need for expensive recruitment.
  • Scalability: Companies can scale their needs up or down without the burden of adding or laying off employees.
  • Risk Mitigation: Compliance matters carry legal and financial risks if not handled properly. Outsourcing EH&S responsibilities helps mitigate potential risks and ensures compliance with regulations.

Finally, while outsourcing can offer significant advantages, it’s important to choose partners carefully, establish clear communication and manage the relationship effectively to ensure the best results. H&A offers these qualities and outsourced EHS compliance management services that protect your workforce and keep your company current with regulatory requirements.

Let Hellman & Associates help you be successful.

In summary, small businesses cannot do everything on their own.  Recognizing this limitation is essential for success. The strategy of outsourcing EHS tasks can add to effectively manage your company, make the most of your resources and add to your long-term growth and sustainability.

Why Outsource? Read More »

Dust Can Be Deadly

Beginning in 2007, OSHA increased its inspections and enforcements of combustible dust National Emphasis Programs (NEPs). Based on the agency’s enforcement history, OSHA revised the NEP in January 2023. The purpose of the revised NEP is emphasize OSHA’s intent to inspect facilities that generate or handle combustible dusts that are likely to fire, flash or explode. The top five industries with these hazards are farm suppliers, institutional furniture manufacturers, metal window and door manufacturers, sheet metal work manufacturers and furniture repairing operators.
The dusts which are most often associated with workplace issues are:
-metal
-wood
-coal and other carbons-plastic
-phenolic resins and additives
-rubber biosolids
-organics such as sugar, flour, paper, soap and dried blood
-textiles

OSHA has implemented a National Emphasis Program (NEP) to identify and reduce hazards which cause or are likely to cause hazards. You can find a PDF of the complete OSHA abstract on this NEP here.

Hellman & Associates has seen a surge in OSHA regulatory engagement with companies during the past year. OSHA regions are required to have inspection and enforcement procedures in place. When it comes to compliance, Hellman & Associates can be the key to favorable results when facing potential violations. We will assist your company to train workers on dust hazards, proper usage of equipment and safe work practices.

We have prepared a number of training materials including videos for your safety meetings. These toolbox topics include related subjects such as silica exposure and respiratory protection. H&A encourages you to download these and use in your safety training meetings.

Hellman & Associates can help companies minimize financial losses when in-house compliance programs came up short, click here and download this solution brief. A comprehensive overview of the ASSUREDCompliance program that has made Hellman & Associates the preferred EHS compliance partner for businesses like yours can be found on this web page.

Dust Can Be Deadly Read More »

A Safety Manager on Staff at a Fraction of the Typical Cost

Hellman & Associates has seen a surge in OSHA regulatory engagement with companies during the past year. When it comes to compliance, Hellman & Associates can be the key to favorable results when facing potential violations. Hellman & Associates helps minimize financial losses when in-house compliance programs come up short.

Examples of Reduced Citations and Fines negotiated by Hellman & Associates:

 

 

 

 

 

Even better are the examples demonstrating the benefits when a business takes advantage of Hellman & Associates’ ASSUREDCompliance program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more examples of how Hellman & Associates helped companies minimize financial losses when in-house compliance programs came up short, click here and download this solution brief. A comprehensive overview of the ASSUREDCompliance program that has made Hellman & Associates the preferred EHS compliance partner for businesses like yours can be found on this web page.

A Safety Manager on Staff at a Fraction of the Typical Cost Read More »

The Heat Is On

Back in 1985, Glenn Frey sang “The Heat Is On” and that is exactly the forecast! In less than a week, many areas of the country jumped from a mild spring right into major heat waves. This type of quick and ongoing temperature change exposes workers to dangerous risks related to heat exposure. And remember, heat stress can happen outdoors as well indoors.

Hellman & Associates has developed a handy poster you can place in your workplace and share with your employees to help them identify the signs and symptoms of heat stress so they know when to cool down before serious health risks set in. 

                                                    Download the poster >>

Additional Resources: H&A has compiled a variety of resources to facilitate effective safety meetings.

Timely topics for this week include:

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you keep your valuable employees safe on the job. 

The Heat Is On Read More »

Ryan Hellman Recognized as OSHA Region VIII VPP Leader of the Year

Each year, OSHA Region VIII Recognizes a person or persons from a VPP site who exhibited exemplary leadership in employee safety and health during the previous year. Ryan was nominated by the employees of Hellman & Associates. Their nomination stated Ryan provides H&A staff with training, support, time, equipment, and encouragement to be safe on the job at all times. Hellman & Associates has been a longtime VPP participant and Ryan supports the staff’s participation in the OSHA VPP Special Government Employee program. In fact, at any given time 20-25% of the staff at Hellman & Associates are certified as SGEs. This is a tremendous level of support and commitment to the OSHA VPP.  In addition, Ryan has actively supported OSHA mentoring efforts, conferences and VPP outreach. He is a strong ambassador for employee safety and health in Region VIII.

Left to right: Steve Biasi, Deputy Regional Administrator, OSHA; Lance Naef, Compliance Assistance Specialist and VPP Coordinator, OSHA; Karen Bebensee, Deputy Administrator, OSHA; Brad Baptiste, Regional VPP Manager, OSHA; Ryan Hellman, President, Hellman & Associates; Megan Meagher, Asst. Regional Administrator, OSHA; Jennifer Rous, Regional Administrator, OSHA

Ryan Hellman Recognized as OSHA Region VIII VPP Leader of the Year Read More »

VPP Star Celebration


The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration awarded the Voluntary Protection Program Star designation to Hellman & Associates for the 13th consecutive year. This award extends this prestigious designation for another three years. The VPP Star is OSHA’s highest level of recognition of employers and workers who employ effective safety and health management systems and keep injury and illness rates below the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ industry averages.

Hellman & Associates celebrated this prestigious designation on Friday, June 23, 2023 at their Wheat Ridge office. The Celebration was attended by OSHA Region VIII executives, H&A clients, city of Wheat Ridge officials and H&A staff.

VPP Star Celebration Read More »

Hellman & Associates Recognized for Workplace Safety and Health Excellence


The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has awarded the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star designation to Hellman & Associates Inc., an environmental safety and health compliance management firm. The VPP Star is OSHA’s highest level of recognition of employers and workers who have employed effective safety and health management systems and kept injury and illness rates below the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ industry averages.

OSHA recognized Hellman & Associates for having an effective pre-task plan, job hazard analysis and strong culture of safety and health excellence, management commitment and employee engagement. VPP programs bring company management, site employees and OSHA together to work proactively to focus on hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training, management commitment and worker involvement to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses. Prospective VPP participants apply to OSHA for consideration, and then undergo a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of safety and health professionals.

“Hellman & Associates is a great example for a company seeking to develop and implement highly effective safety and health management systems. For 13 years, they have earned the Star designation and have generously helped other companies achieve VPP recognition,” explained Jennifer Rous, OSHA Region 8 Administrator. “As we renew their status for another three years, we applaud their commitment to setting high standards when it comes to keeping their employees and their clients’ employees safe at work.”

The OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) model is quite extensive. It is a tremendous challenge and a great achievement to be a VPP. Getting VPP status is difficult but staying in is even harder. VPP requires a long-term commitment to continuous improvement in the site safety and health management system. H&A is one of a very small number of safety and health management consulting companies in the country to achieve the OSHA VPP Star recognition.

Hellman & Associates Recognized for Workplace Safety and Health Excellence Read More »

Does OSHA Reporting Feel Overwhelming?

Does OSHA reporting feel overwhelming? That’s Because It’s Only One of Many Tasks You Do.

Some companies prefer to handle their OSHA record keeping in-house. And we understand why one might think that is the best way to handle this requirement. But, too many times companies leave reporting to the last moment which may result in missing deadlines. Overall, managing OSHA reporting internally is risky and can lead to compliance exposure.

H&A has noticed companies over-report when setting up their ISNetworld® account or other third-party contractor verification requirements. If injuries are over-reported, that company may be excluded from bidding on a project. (As you know, hiring companies that have a TCIR above-industry-average affects the ability to bid jobs.) Over-reporting is an important concern and can cause companies to receive an OSHA inspection. OSHA has a Site-Specific Targeting Program which targets establishments with higher-than-average TRIR/DART rates. So, you can see why it is important to report timely and accurately.

At Hellman & Associates, we deal with OSHA record keeping daily. We believe it is a good idea to allow H&A to review your information for accuracy. For example, H&A completed a routine inspection of a client’s OSHA records. This client reported 11 recordable injuries. Upon review of their loss runs, they actually only had three.

Here’s a breakdown of how this inflated their TRIR/DART rates:

  • 11 recordable incidents: TRIR = 14.3 / DART = 7.8
  • 3 recordable incidents: TRIR = 2.6 / DART = 1.3
  • Industry average: TRIR = 2.9 / DART = 2.0

Since this client had 150,000 hours worked, the TRIP/DART calculations increased their rates almost six times more.

Take away the guessing and last-minute chaos and change to a managed solution which achieves compliance requirements and drives your business to new milestones! Choose ASSUREDCompliance® to protect your business.

ASSUREDCompliance® is an annual partnership that applies H&A’s proven best practices to help your company ensure employee safety and avoid costly business disruptions. The best part? It’s about one-third of the cost of a full-time safety manager. As our partner, your regulatory compliance is guaranteed. If you incur a citation for something we should have managed, we pay for it.

Contact Hellman & Associates to learn more about how we can help you keep your valuable employees safe on the job.

Does OSHA Reporting Feel Overwhelming? Read More »