700 Introduction to Safety Management

Deming's 14 Points Applied to Safety

Point 4: End the practice of awarding business on the basis of price tag. Move toward a single supplier. Develop a long-term relationship of loyalty and trust.

Quality safety and personal protective equipment, materials, chemicals may cost a little more but will save in the long-term through fewer injuries and illnesses. Management should write safety specifications that meet their safety and quality requirements into contracts.

Concerning personal protective equipment (PPE), "cheap" is not better. Ensuring employees have high-quality personal protective equipment is smart business. If you spend $5,000 for various types of PPE and any one piece prevents a serious injury, your company has just paid for all the PPE. The money spent on PPE should be thought of as an investment that may result in substantial returns (reduced direct and indirect accident costs) to the company.

Relying on a single supplier for safety equipment, such as personal protective equipment, may have many benefits. Supplier representatives, calling on an employer over a period of years, will become familiar with the particular safety equipment needs of the employer. The employer who establishes a long-term close relationship with the supplier is more likely to receive the attention and higher quality equipment when requested. Developing a close, cooperative partnership between the employer and the supplier of safety equipment is extremely important for the success of both parties, and is possible by applying the single supplier principle.

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