Exciting news for Delaware business owners: a new partnership is here to help you create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces. SafeDE, the Delaware Department of Labor’s workplace safety consultation program, has officially teamed up with Help is Here DE, a leading resource hub for workplace wellness, to deliver a comprehensive approach to workplace safety and health.
This partnership is a win for Delaware businesses, offering streamlined access to no-cost resources that will protect your employees, save you money, and give you peace of mind. Whether you’re navigating OSHA compliance or tackling challenges with employee wellness, SafeDE, and Help is Here DE are here to help.
What is SafeDE?
SafeDE, formerly the Office of Safety & Health Consultation, is a Delaware Department of Labor initiative offering free, comprehensive on-site safety and health consultations for small and medium-sized businesses in the General Industry, Construction, and Agricultural sectors. The program aims to identify potential workplace hazards, enhance safety management systems, and assist in voluntary compliance with federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
Benefits of SafeDE for Delaware Businesses:
- No-Cost Consultations: Employers can receive expert advice without fees, helping them identify and mitigate workplace hazards.
- Confidential Assistance: All services are confidential, and no fines or citations will be issued as a result of the consultation.
- Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP): This program recognizes small business employers who operate exemplary safety and health programs. It exempts them from surprise OSHA inspections for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal.
- Training and Education: Train employers and employees to develop and maintain effective safety and health programs.
What is Help is Here DE?
Help is Here Delaware is a comprehensive resource offering support for individuals dealing with mental health challenges and substance use disorders. The platform provides access to emergency services, treatment options, and recovery resources, ensuring that help is readily available.
Free Services for Delaware Businesses:
- Immediate Assistance: Access to emergency and crisis resources, including 24/7 support via phone at 833-9-HOPEDE.
- Treatment Locator: A tool to search for Delaware-specific, state-vetted treatment providers, accommodating individuals regardless of insurance status.
- Addiction Services: Information on treatment and recovery, harm reduction strategies, and preventive measures.
- Mental Health Support: Access to free resources, counseling services, suicide prevention, and assistance for co-occurring disorders.
- Harm Reduction Tools: Availability of free Narcan® (naloxone) and fentanyl test strips to prevent overdose deaths.
- Community Engagement: Materials and resources for community partners to inform and assist others.
- Healthcare Provider Resources: Information tailored for healthcare providers on substance use and mental health, including downloadable materials.
In October 2023, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services launched a redesigned HelpIsHereDE.com, enhancing user experience and accessibility.
Help is Here Delaware is a vital portal to essential services and information for those seeking assistance, reinforcing that no one has to face these challenges alone.
Strengthening Delaware Workplaces: A Unified Approach to Safety and Health
The Help is Here DE initiative and SafeDE have joined forces to provide a streamlined approach to supporting Delaware businesses, with a particular focus on the construction and restaurant industries. This collaboration integrates workplace safety and substance use disorder (SUD) prevention efforts, offering targeted resources and training. By combining SafeDE’s expertise in workplace hazard mitigation with Help is Here Delaware’s focus on SUD education and prevention, the partnership delivers a holistic solution to address the unique challenges faced by these vulnerable sectors. Together, they aim to create safer, healthier workplaces while reducing the risk of injuries and overdoses.
Construction Industry Initiatives:
- Employer Overdose Toolkit: Provides comprehensive guidance for construction employers to develop effective plans to reduce addiction and overdoses within their workforce.
- Naloxone Training: Offers training on the administration of Narcan® (naloxone) to reverse opioid overdoses, ensuring that employees are prepared to respond to overdose situations.
Restaurant Industry Initiatives:
- Restaurant Accolade Program: This program recognizes restaurants that implement SUD awareness and prevention strategies, including employee training and the availability of Narcan® kits on-site.
- Free Training Courses: Offers industry-recognized training courses to restaurant employees, enhancing their food safety and substance abuse prevention skills and knowledge.
What this Partnership Means for Delaware Businesses
The partnership between Help is Here Delaware and SafeDE offers significant benefits for businesses, particularly in the construction and restaurant industries. By combining workplace safety and employee wellness expertise, this collaboration provides a comprehensive approach to creating healthier, safer workplaces.
Benefits of the Partnership
- Enhanced Workplace Safety
- By integrating substance use disorder (SUD) awareness and prevention into safety protocols, businesses can create a safer environment for their employees. SafeDE’s free, confidential OSHA consultation services identify and mitigate hazards proactively, helping avoid costly injuries or violations, which can reach $16,131 per violation—or higher for repeat offenses.
- Access to Resources
- Employers can access free training, toolkits, and support tailored to address workplace substance use issues. Help is Here Delaware also provides resources to promote overall employee wellness, from mental health support to substance misuse prevention, empowering employers to foster a healthier and more productive workforce.
- Recognition and Support
- Programs like the Restaurant Accolade Program highlight and reward businesses prioritizing health and safety, fostering a culture of care and responsibility. These accolades boost morale and enhance a business’s reputation as a safe and supportive workplace.
- Cost-Effective and Hassle-Free
- Both programs are entirely free of charge, offering businesses a budget-friendly way to improve safety and wellness. SafeDE consultations are confidential and penalty-free, while Help is Here Delaware provides no-cost tools and resources, saving employers time and money without adding administrative burdens.
Addressing workplace safety and employee wellness in a streamlined, cost-effective way equips employers with the tools and resources to protect their teams, enhance productivity, and foster a culture of care. Together, these programs are helping businesses create safer, healthier environments while reinforcing their commitment to the well-being of their employees and the success of their operations.
To learn more or sign up for a free consultation, please visit:
Help is Here
WorkSafeDE
