Establishing an Effective Safety Program
March 15, 2018
In all segments of the industry, companies should create and document an effective safety program. A safety program identifies and reduces hazards faced by employees in the work environment. Some industries must implement safety programs to comply with federal or state government requirements. Written policies and procedures satisfy an imperative component of an effective safety program. Companies should publish a list of safety rules within the company handbook that is received by all employees. Additionally, documenting that each employee receives the handbook meets another crucial requirement. In addition to OSHA's written compliance program that may be required, companies should maintain a set of written safety procedures for various processes performed by all employees. The industry and type of work performed determines the policy. Examples of various industry policies include the following:
Restaurants
- Knife storage and safety
- Safe lifting techniques
- Working with hot equipment (ex. large fryers)
- Housekeeping
Construction
- Severe Weather plan
- Ladder Safety
- Power equipment safety
- Slips, trips and falls
Manufacturing
- Machine Guarding
- Pushing vs. pulling techniques
- Working around forklifts and other power equipment
- Slips, trips and falls
Medical Field
- Safe patient transfer and assistance techniques
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Diffusing hostile situations
- Slips, trips and falls
Employers should host documented training on all safety procedures which employees are expected to follow. Failure to document the receipt of training by the employee indicates the absence of communicated training. The best method to track communicated training includes acquiring a signature from each employee acknowledging receipt of the written safety policies, procedures and training. Furthermore, employers should maintain a file containing all training records and signed acknowledgments.
Additionally, continuous improvement of the safety program helps ensure effectiveness. A good way to test the effectiveness is to administer a brief quiz upon completion of training, along with ongoing random tests to ensure policies and procedures are followed. All aspects of a safety program, including training, should be reviewed annually and adjustments made as needed. To build a safety program or to strengthen an existing program, visit our online Safety Library. Resources for developing a written safety program complete with policies, procedures, training, evaluation of employees, and tools for reinforcement of training are available through the library.