This region, like many other regions, saw an ongoing emphasis on safety. OSHA extended the compliance date for electronically submitting injury and illness reports, giving more time for employers to become familiar with the system. The two-week extension, from Dec. 1, 2017 until Dec. 15, 2017, allowed BSCs to better learn the new rules and regulations for proper injury and illness reporting.

OSHA also recognized Worker’s Memorial Day at the end of April in 2017, participating in observance across the Midwest and the nation. Honoring American workers as the backbone of the nation’s prosperity became an important moment during conversations of labor shortages, rises in cost of labor and other industry challenges. BSCs were among those commended for the essential service they provide, and those who have been injured or lost their lives in the workplace were remembered and honored as well.

News coming from the Midwest continued the conversation surrounding challenges and triumphs for the industry throughout the year.

In Ohio, the U.S. Department of Labor cited a roofing contractor for exposing employees to safety hazards that included falls, according to an OSHA press release. The contractor faced a $91,629 penalty. For the BSC arena, this helped continue the conversation surrounding safety in the work place – a number one concern for contract cleaners.

Five roofers were spotted by inspectors working at heights over 8 feet without the proper fall protection in addition to employees using nail guns without eye protection. The company was also cited for failing to train workers. Safety training is another important conversation being had in the cleaning industry, especially during Midwest winters when slip hazards can be increased by wet floors.

Whistleblowing was also a topic for the Midwest. In Illinois, a mechanic who alleged he was fired after stating concerns about unsafe working conditions received $40,000 in back wages, according to an OSHA press release. Safety is something that is taken seriously in every industry and the Midwest helped continue to lead the national conversation on the importance and seriousness of workplace safety.