Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace. Failure to provide training on workplace hazards is required in many parts of that Act. Libraries have challenges in meeting these training requirements. One challenge is that library employees are typically not all available to train in groups because they are helping patrons. Another challenge is universal to safety training: delivering an engaging message.

Using Google at Work and free products management has delivered a wide range of required common hazard as well as custom training — an example would be how and why to turn off the water main at each location. The training is automatically tracked and shared online with managers to operate as a free Learning Management System. Monthly training is delivered via email and is self-directed. We also have a challenging and engaging message, and have conducted unique library safety events.

In FY17, CPL had an injury per FY expense of $67,506.76 with 344 restricted OSHA recordable days. The Safety Program began at the end of FY18. In FY19 CPL had an injury per FY expense of $86.88 and zero restricted OSHA recordable days. Employees talk about safety, and debate the content of the trainings and tracked quizzes. On more than one occasion management has received feedback that employees are changing their behavior outside of work as they learn to identify hazards and discern controls measures.