10 Best Government Agencies in Freeport, NY

With the recent push by Congress to engage OSHA in reducing unsafe workplace conditions and situations, it has encouraged the agency to fine businesses for standing irresponsible behavior in failing to address at risk hazardous situations. In response to this mandate I believe OSHA used its General Duty Clause to cite Wal-Mart for failing to address a known hazardous situation which could have been avoidable. Wal-Mart was fined $7,000 in the November 28, 2008 death of its employee, Jdimytai Damour, at its Valley Stream, NY Store. Wal-Mart has 15 days to decide to pay the fine or appeal it. If you recall, Damour died of asphyxiation after he was knocked to the ground and trampled by a crowd of about 2, 000 shoppers who surged into the store for its annual day-after-Thanksgiving sale. Damour was crushed to death by the crowd due to the store's failure to implement reasonable and effective crowd management techniques said the citation. In deciding the citation and eventual fine, OSHA's acting director for the Long Island, NY area, Anthony Ciuffo, said this was not an unforeseen situation because Wal-Mart should have recognized the hazard based on previous Friday-after-Thanksgiving Days crowds. Most employers are unaware of the OSHA General Duty Clause and its implications. It states, "Each employer shall furnish to each of his employee's employment and place of employment which are free from reconginzed hazaards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees. Without any specific details, as an employer you must evaluate your unique workplaces and those other environments where your employees conduct official business, to insure that as an employer you must make the employee aware of any hazards that might expose them to an unsafe situation. Essentially, an employer can be cited for Employer recognition of known hazards; Industry recognition of hazards peculiar to your industry and Common sense recognition where a hazard recognition can still be established if a hazardous condition is so obvious that any reasonable person would have recognized it. Do you know of at risk situations you might be exposing your employees to? Have you properly investigated and resolved workplace disputes before they lead to threats of violence and fights? Have you audited your employees off-site work environments to evaluate any potential risks and lastly, have you addressed empoyee reports, complaints and issues relative to workplace safety and security? What do you think about this citation? Could you have taken proactive measures? What about training, would it have minimized the risk? And, what do you think about this particular situation as being an avoidable hazard? Share your thoughts. Call me to discuss your particular situation.

By Nater Associates Limited Security Consultants

When it comes to security, some clients know what they want.

Since establishing my business in 2002, we have experienced tremendous growth in a variety of areas. Besides growing personally, my business has taken on a new look as clients ask for services and products they want. Do you know how I make my clients happy, by giving them what they want. For example, we have been called in to assess and evaluate workplace internal investigations involving employee fights and other acts of misconduct; assisted management present arbitration cases for hearings; worked with client attorneys in preparing litigation; trained the workforce in what constitutes workplace violence; conducted workshops on conflict managment in preventing workplace violence and evaluating exisitng secuirty programs. In addition, we have been asked to moderate discussion panels, chair panels and keynote speaker. What can I do for you? Is your workplace free of incidents of workplace violence? Can you pass a review by OSHA following a complaint by an employee who feels his employer can not provide for his safety? Is your workplace safety and security program a measurement of your commitment to your employee's safety or not? Are you confident that your commitment to workplace safety and the prevention of workplace violence is commensurate with your investment in your firm and your employee's safety? If not, be prepared to payout if you are found negligent! Do you want to know where you stand? Interested, call me.

By Nater Associates Limited Security Consultants

Awarded the Certified Security Consultant Certification of CSC

As an independent security management consultant, every opportunity to bolster one's credibility and reputation is extremely important as a marketing tool and professional. Recently, Felix P. Nater, President of Nater Associates, Ltd. was awarded the Certified Security Consultant Certification or CSC for exhibiting competence and knowledge in the following areas: the security consulting process; forensic consulting and ethics and values of security consultants. This is a 3 year certification awarded by the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC.). For more information about the organization please visit our website atwww.iapsc.org. You can also visit Nater Associates, Ltd. atwww.naterassociates.com. Felix P. Nater Nater Associates, Ltd.

By Nater Associates Limited Security Consultants