As part of its new agreement with State Fund, the association's workers compensation insurance group, the Arizona Society of CPAs has formed a Safety Committee. The Safety Committee consists of representatives from ASCPA member companies or organizations participating in the State Fund insurance program. The committee's goals are to examine ways the association can communicate and promote a safe work environment to all of our members and their companies and organizations.
Beginning in this issue, the ASCPA will feature articles, tips and other information on safety-related topics and issues from time to time in AZ CPA. The ASCPA also will feature and archive these articles and information on its Web site, www.ascpa.com. Be sure to look for SAFETY FIRST! in both the AZ CPA and on the Web site. If you have ideas on safety topics or issues to bring up, please forward them to José Herrera, Director of Member Services, at (602) 252-4144 ext. 205 or at jherrera@ascpa.com.
If you are interested in obtaining "safety" brochures, envelope stuffers, or posters, these are available at no cost. Please e-mail kpeterson@scfaz.com for more information. Safety videotapes also are available on a loan basis and can be checked out from State Fund. Please e-mail jbernal@scfaz.com for more information. The ASCPA will continually look for various "safety" materials and information for its members to use.
The Audit Trip - A Light Look at Potentially Heavy Safety Situations
by Ronal Coleman
AUDITORS FROM YOUR FIRM or organization are strapped with audit cases, loose- leaf notebooks, laptops, adding machines and printers. They are straining to coordinate their load, while heading for the cars in the parking lot that already have suitcases or other items loaded in them. This is an accident ready to happen!
From one of my prior lives in the Air Force, the term Loadmaster comes to mind. The Loadmaster was charged with the responsibility of loading and balancing the weight in cargo planes to ease the control of the aircraft for the pilot. Loads that shift or are too heavily distributed to one side make handling of the aircraft in the air more difficult than necessary. We're really talking about safety.
Automobiles come in varying sizes and functions. I've seen them abused, regardless of how large or accommodating they are. Realistically, the auditors are trying to get to their off-site job as efficiently as they possibly can, but the methods can sometimes be dangerous. You may want to picture your insurance agent standing next to the vehicle, while it is being loaded, and see if that helps. The easy solution is to spread out the load. It may necessitate an additional vehicle to be safe on the road.
How heavy does an audit case need to be before you ask for help? That varies with the size and physical health of the person. I know I can't move my piano by myself. That's why it is still sitting where it is. Take more trips out to the car or recruit the biggest person you can to help. Encourage your firm or organization to purchase carriers on wheels or handcarts, if they don't have them. Also, do not lift heavy boxes or cases with your back or shoulders. If the load is manageable, bend your legs and lift with your legs. Your leg muscles are much stronger than your back muscles.
Traveling abroad also offers other situations. For example, a rental car of a particular brand, shape and size that you have never driven before can be a safety challenge. Get acquainted with the car before you start it. Are the mirrors set for you or for the last driver? Before rushing out of the parking lot, push down on the pedals, look for turn signal levers and lights, adjust the seat, tune the radio, adjust the air conditioner or the heater, and get a feel for the car. It takes only one incident of desperately looking for the control of something while driving in busy traffic to cause you to make a serious mental note to check these things out before the next time you turn on a strange car.
Make rest stops a top priority when you are driving long distances. This can make the trip longer in terms of time; however, a long straight road with monotonous stripes that rarely vary will hypnotize the best drivers and lure them into a false sense of security. Get out of the car at least every two to three hours and stretch your legs and back. Walk around and take a few deep breaths. A change in routine reinvigorates you and makes the trip safer.
Whether it's an audit trip or just a regular business trip, it is important not to push yourself or the tools available to get to your final destination. Be careful, be aware and be SAFE!
Ronal Coleman is the manager of taxation and compliance with Miller, Allen, & Co., PC in Phoenix.
