Strategies_Spring_2025

OPERATIONS

Making it Right Todd Jensen, director of OSHA’s Toledo Area Office, which oversees the region where Jerousek’s stores are located, says forklift violations are the top infraction he sees in the business classification that includes hardware stores, home centers, lumberyards and paint stores. Working with Jensen, Jerousek reduced his fine after swiftly implementing actions to improve safety following the citation. Now the company has a regular protocol for safety checks of parts like turn signals and brakes to ensure vehicle safety when out for deliveries or during store transfers. In the process of becoming OSHA compliant, Jerousek says he learned that there is a greater burden placed on smaller, independently owned operations because they often don’t

fully understand the safety rules we need to adhere to.” Jensen says that consultations are free, with no strings (or fines) attached. “If the employer is willing to fix what’s wrong, that’s usually enough for us,” he says. Focused on Safety The events that led to developing the safety program at Jerousek’s store have changed the company’s mindset around safety in a positive way. But he says it is all for naught if they don’t remain laser-focused on safety moving forward. Overall, he says the experience dealing with OSHA was positive, minus the fine, and that everyone they worked with was professional and helpful. “As a result of everything we have been through this year, we now have a full-fledged safety program, whereas before, it was just a forklift safety program,” he says.

have the comprehensive safety and training resources that larger chain retailers and corporations utilize. “All of us must adhere to the same rules and regulations, and OSHA requires the same safety standards from everyone,” he says. While most business owners relate OSHA to the IRS, Jerousek says his experience taught him that the agency is a great resource to help independent retailers operate safer stores. Jerousek says if an owner wants OSHA to visit your store to do a consultation, they will not fine you for what they find. They will, however, want you to fix anything they see that would be a violation. “We took the jump and spoke directly with our local OSHA office to ask for help and guidance,” Jerousek says. “What we received was an honest, empathetic discussion that helped us to

34 Spring 2025 • Hardlines Strategies