How To Create A Workplace Safety Program
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
If you are a new or a small business, you may not have a workplace safety program in place. However, since a worker’s compensation claim can be devastating to a small business it is important that you put together a comprehensive safety program so your workers know how to stay safe and healthy on the job. Here are some tips on how to create a great worker’s safety program:Decide What Needs To Be Included In The Training
Luckily there are many resources for deciding what kind of safety procedures are needed for your office. The best place to start is at the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA has guidelines that all companies can use to ensure their workplace is safe and healthy for their employees. You can also speak with your insurance provider and see what kind of recommendations they make to help you manage your risk and lower the cost of your insurance.
10 General Safety Rules
Depending on the nature of your business there are a variety targeted things that need to be addressed to keep everyone safe. However all of these things fall under some basic safety rules. Think about the following ten safety guidelines and try to incorporate the specific needs of your company:
1. Know what makes for a safe and an unsafe environment.
2. Always stay aware and alert of your surroundings.
3. Wear the correct safety gear and protection.
4. Use tools and machinery properly.
5. Use mechanical aids whenever necessary.
6. Understand how ergonomics prevent injury.
7. Keep workplace clean and clear of obstructions.
8. Always have first aid kits close by and accessible.
9. Practice safety drills.
10. Stay sober, calm, and take breaks when necessary.
Effective Training Programs
Once you have decided what needs to be included in your safety training program, you need to plan your training program. Here are some steps for putting together a great training program:
1. Gather all your safety resources. If necessary, make a safety manual or a print out that your employees can use as a point of reference in the future.
2. Create safety program exercises and incorporate ways your employees can demonstrate what they’ve learned.
3. Set goals and objectives based on what your employees need to know.
4. Make a schedule and let your employees know when and where they will need to be to get through safety training.
5. Conduct the safety training, make sure that your employees are participating. Whenever possible include team activities and individual accountability so that your employees are fully engaged.
Evaluate Training Programs
Once your training is complete, make sure that your employees are following all of the safety standards you have set. If they are not, evaluate and measure what parts of the training have been effective and what parts have not been effective. Then improve your training process including more training in these areas and schedule more training sessions. Also pay attention to issues as they come up as you may need to incorporate them into your workplace safety training. Finally, revise your training every quarter to ensure the latest safety practices and codes are included. Do not be afraid of over training your employees, there is no such thing as too much safety.
If you follow this guide and use the variety or resources available from sources like OSHA, you will easily be able to design a safety program that is easy to understand and implement. Workplace safety is important, not just because it can cost your business a lot of money from workers compensation claims, but because you want your employees to feel safe, secure, and happy while they do their job.