SAFETY BLOG

Developing Safety & Health Programs

Safety and Health Program Guidelines:

• Effective management of workplace safety and health programs:
• reduces the extent and severity of work related injuries and illnesses
• improves employee morale and productivity
• reduces worker compensation costs
• Exemplary workplaces use organized and systematic methods to:
• assign responsibilities to managers, supervisors, and employees
• regularly inspect for and control workplace hazards
• orient and train all employees to eliminate or avoid hazards

A written safety program should include:

1. A statement of commitment and support for the safety and health program from the administration
• statement to be signed by the CEO or other designated employee
2. A statement that defines the appointment of, the authority of, the training of, and the funding of a safety officer
3. A worker compensation policy that defines the parameters of the program and how employees access the program
4. A safety and health program for each OSHA standard that requires a hazard evaluation and risk assessment
5. A program that addresses the procedures to take when investigating a safety incident or accident
6. A program that addresses identifying and correcting unsafe work conditions and practices
7. A program that addresses each job task and job description from a safety and health standpoint in a manner to prevent on the job injuries and illnesses
8. A formal safety and health orientation
9. A periodic safety and health training program that addresses OSHA and site-specific safety and health issues such as PPE, engineering controls, hazardous materials communications, etc.
10. An outline of employer and employee responsibilities with respect to safety and health on the job

 Be safe out there!