How do I Implement a Workplace Safety Program?

OSHA regulations protect employees.

Effective health and safety programs in the workplace save lives. Good health and safety practices also minimize injuries and the attendant distress and financial loss. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration is the body charged with implementing health and safety at work. Requirements regarding a health and safety programs vary, but an organization with 50 or more employees must have a formal program. OSHA provides training materials in several formats to assist with the formation of safety programs.

Instructions

1. 

   Involve workers during the formulation of the program.

   Check the OHSA regulations to see if you are required to develop a formal program. If so, appoint a person with overall responsibility for developing the health and safety program. Authorize that individual to contact OSHA for assistance in planning a safety program for your particular industry and encourage him to involve the workers at every level of its development.

2. Train the staff in the program and record all staff training in a log. Inspect any personal protective equipment to see that it is available, functioning properly, and that staff members are trained in its correct use.

3. Reward staff when you see good health and safety practice. This reinforces good practice. Run competitions on health and safety slogans and mottos. Display warning notices prominently. Investigate any accidents thoroughly.

4. Review the health and safety program regularly and in the wake of any accidents or incidents. Conduct regular health and safety inspections. Use repetition as a way of getting health and safety messages across. Record and report any transgressions. Use accident analysis as a way of improving practice.

Tips & Warnings

• Familiarity with a task can breed complacency. Reinforce good practice with ongoing training.

References

• Safety Wins. com
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration