Safety Training Pays Off for Ventura Firm

Gaviota Maintenance Services Inc., a Ventura oil-field service firm, has cut its workers’ compensation premiums 50% since starting an intensive safety training program in 1986.

Now, having become safety experts in activities ranging from ladder-climbing to tank-cleaning, Gaviota’s officials have decided to go into the safety-training business. For a fee, the company is offering to supply instructors to other firms, either on-site or in Gaviota’s classrooms.

“We were inspired by two factors,” said Dan Lyon, who heads the new program. “People seem to have heard about our success in avoiding injuries, and a new state law requires all companies with 10 or more employees to set up formal safety programs.”

Lyon, Gaviota’s human resources director and son of company owner Ed Lyon, said he’s already landed his first client. Next week, he’s sending instructors to the Procter & Gamble Paper Products plant in Oxnard, where they’ll provide hands-on training in such subjects as handling hazardous materials, avoiding back injuries, substance abuse and first aid.