Risk Management Resources

July 1, 1999
Numerous associations, organizations and sources can help rental centers develop and maintain comprehensive safety programs. While manufacturers are often

Numerous associations, organizations and sources can help rental centers develop and maintain comprehensive safety programs. While manufacturers are often the best source for specific product information, here is a list of some general references that can offer assistance to businesses of all sizes.

* American Rental Association - Posters, videos and other safety-related media, including its Safety Training System, which is designed specifically for equipment rental centers. Contact info: 800/334-2177; fax: 309/764-1533; 1900 19th St., Moline, IL 61265-4198; Web site: www.ararental.org

* Associated Equipment Distributors - Sells videos and safety manuals covering a variety of topics, from general themes such as "Repair Technician Safe Practices" to items covering specific types of equipment. Contact info: 630/574-0650; fax: 630/574-0132; 615 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523; Web site: www.aednet.org

* Construction Industry Manufacturers Association - Several programs, including videos produced by Safety Saves. Contact info: 414/272-0943; fax: 414/272-1170; 111 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202; Web site: www.cimanet.com

* Crane Institute of America - Safety training classes/seminars for aerial work platforms, forklifts and cranes. Contact info: 800/832-2726; 1063 Midland Center Commons, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751; Web site: www.craneinstitute.com

* Equipment Manufacturers Institute - Equipment safety manuals that provide owners, operators, service personnel and mechanics with basic safety procedures and warnings for their day-to-day work with the equipment. Contact info: 312/321-1470; fax: 312/321-1480; 10 S. Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606-3710; Web site: www.emi.org

* Industrial Safety and Maintenance Network - An online source for information, services and products related to industrial safety and maintenance, including training and monthly updates on regulations and compliance. Contact info: www.ismnetwork.com

* National Safety Council - A nonprofit organization dedicated to occupational health and safety, traffic safety, home safety and environmental health. Contact info: 630/285-1121; fax: 630/285-1315; 1121 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, IL 60143-3201; Web site: www.nsc.org

* National Resource Safety Center - A free safety video lending library in addition to other paid services. Contact info: 800/468-4296; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.nrsc.com

* Occupational Safety & Health Administration - Web site offers free news, information and details of its inspections. Contact info: 202/693-1999; Public Affairs Office, 200 Constitution Ave., Room 3647, Washington, DC 20210; Web site: www.osha.gov

* Rental Industry Association (formerly California Rental Association) - Comprehensive "how-to" safety manuals as well as videos written and produced by the association covering topics such as scissorlifts, pressure washers and trailers. Contact info: 800/272-7400; fax: 530/666-1233; P.O. Box 1967, Woodland, CA 95776; Web site: www.riassn.org

* Safety and the Supervisor - A biweekly safety newsletter; cost: $299 per year. Contact info: Clement Communications, 800/345-8101; fax: 800/459-1659; e-mail: [email protected]

* Safety Online - Web site features daily news and product updates designed for professionals in the safety industry. Contact info: 800/324-3951; Web site: www.safetyonline.com

* Scaffold Industry Association - Promotes scaffold and aerial work platform safety and education through its publications, conventions, trade shows and training programs. Contact info: 818/610-0320; fax: 818/610-0323; 20335 Ventura Blvd., Suite 310, Woodland Hills, CA 91364; Web site: www.scaffold.org

* The Training Network - Videos, CD-ROMs, meeting kits, posters and booklets for general safety and specific industries, including construction. Contact info: 800/390-8283; fax: 919/544-5800; Web site: www.tni-online.com

Note: The above is not a comprehensive list, but a safety information starter kit for equipment rental centers and distributors. For safety aids related to specific types of equipment, most manufacturers offer videos and brochures covering specific training and maintenance.