OEM is committed to creating and maintaining a safe work environment. This commitment includes instilling in each employee the desire to work safely and to develop an attitude that discourages unsafe behavior.

OEM has made this commitment for a number of reasons. First and foremost is the safety and health of our workforce. Second are the potential savings that come from low insurance costs, having little or no lost time, and having no fines from compliance agencies such as OSHA.

In order to maintain a safe work place, OEM conducts quarterly safety inspections and requires quick action on any items identified with concerns. Regularly, OSHA is invited to OEM for voluntary inspections. When a new process or major machine is added to OEM's facility, OSHA is again invited to review the new addition and encouraged to make recommendations for safe operation, not just to meet the minimum requirements. When we request OSHA to visit, we ask that they alternate disciplines annually (this year a health expert - next year a safety expert). This assures that all issues affecting employee health and safety get covered.

We require our insurance carrier to provide a Loss Control Engineer visit at least once per year. This visit, unlike OSHA, concentrates on areas where the insurance company is experiencing claims, where OSHA will often concentrate on areas of new regulation.

OEM is proud of the fact that OSHA has levied no fines and has not cited OEM for any violation since 1997. We are also proud of the fact that we must fight to get our insurance carrier to come in. They feel it's not necessary because our loss ratios are so low.

How does our safety record affect our customers? Our safe environment assists in OEM's ability to provide our customers with reasonable prices due to lower costs, and consistent delivery because our employees are not out for injuries.