ALCA Announces New Safety Program

In January the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) announced the creation of the new ALCA/STARS Safe Company Program designed to move the landscape industry toward safety excellence. The program encourages all landscape contractors to take safety to the next level.

The new program asks participants to sign a ?EUR??,,????'??pledge of honor?EUR??,,????'?? to join in the mission of moving the entire landscape profession toward safety excellence through active involvement, sharing experiences, and becoming a mentor for living safety. STARS members commit to developing a strong safety program using the ALCA/STARS Safety Resource Manual as a guideline, having an active safety committee in place, and conducting weekly safety awareness meetings. Members will also be asked to participate in the ALCA Safety Awards Program, to comply with all OSHA posting requirements, and to encourage other companies to become ALCA STARS members.

?EUR??,,????'??Being safe for ?EUR??,,????'??all the right reasons?EUR??,,????'??? has powerful rewards that go beyond humanitarian concerns,?EUR??,,????'?? adds Snodgrass, noting that the acronym STARS stands for Safety Training Achieves Remarkable Success . ?EUR??,,????'??Intrinsically safe companies are well managed that demonstrate a high degree of integrity and professionalism ?EUR??,,????'??+ an important point of distinction for employees, customers, suppliers, and communities.?EUR??,,????'??

STARS members receive other benefits allowing them to partner in a safety alliance including the ALCA, OSHA, and CNA allowing them to leverage the combined resources of the group. Members also receive a framed STARS pledge certificate, the ALCA/STARS Safety Resource Manual, a listing on the ALCA web safety page and recognition at ALCA?EUR??,,????'???s Green Industry Conference.

?EUR??,,????'??Safety seems to be on everyone?EUR??,,????'???s mind now, thank to compliance issues and rising insurance premiums,?EUR??,,????'?? says ALCA Safety Committee Chairperson David Snodgrass, CLP, of Dennis?EUR??,,????'??? Seven Dees Landscaping, Inc. ?EUR??,,????'??This is the ideal opportunity to move safety to the next level and to do it for all the right reasons because we care about people, about saving lives, and reducing injuries.?EUR??,,????'??