Isn’t It Time We Tried Something Different? – 06/14/2021
Safety E-QuickTips
U.S. Compliance Systems, Inc.
Monday June 14, 2021
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Isn’t It Time We Tried Something Different?
When companies look at developing and implementing a company safety program, 9 times out of 10 they will use the all or nothing approach.
So, what is this “all or nothing” approach? Let’s look at the process:
- ·Step 1 – Determine what needs to go into the program (in-house or with some outside help).
- ·Step 2 – Develop a safety program based on OSHA requirements and company-specific safety policies and procedures.
- ·Step 3 – Implement every aspect of the safety program with the same level of emphasis from the start; no regard given to what will have the biggest impact on protecting employees from hazards in the workplace.
- ·Step 4 – Give up on the safety program because it’s TOO MUCH and go back to the way it was before the “all or nothing” approach to safety started.
Sound familiar?
Well, if you’ve tried this approach, you are not alone. And the sad part is a lot of companies continue to do it the same way repeatedly only to find that it rarely, if ever, works.
But what if you tried a different approach?
Once you’ve completed step 2 it goes something like this:
- ·Step 3 – Perform a hazard assessment to determine all potential hazards in the workplace during a meeting that includes management and a few employee representatives.
- ·Step 4 – List the hazards in order from most serious to least.
- ·Step 5 – Provide all employees awareness and necessary training on all hazards in the workplace.
- ·Step 6 – Focus inspection and enforcement on only the top 2 or 3 most serious hazards.
- ·Step 7 – Repeat step 6 with 2-3 additional hazards until all hazards are addressed. (Note: always put more emphasis on hazards that can cause serious injury or death.)
That’s right – start by dealing with the most serious hazards in your industry and continue to build from there. By focusing your efforts on the most serious hazards, it’s not as overwhelming and addresses what is most important.
And if you are struggling with what are the most serious hazards, why not start with OSHA’s Focus 4: Fall Hazards, Caught-In-Between Hazards, Struck-By Hazards and Electrical Hazards. Those are always a good place to start.
Employee QuickTip
If your company has taken the time to develop and implement a safety program, it’s in your and your coworkers’ best interest to take it seriously and do your part to make it a reality.A safe workplace cannot exist without employee participation.
Employer/Management QuickTip
Change is hard and no one likes it, but when it comes to protecting your employees from hazards in the workplace, changing from an all or nothing approach will provide real value to your employees and the company. It has the best chance for success.
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Thanks for Reading and Please – Stay Healthy and Work Safe.
