By Chris Sullivan, Director of Risk Management
A Workplace Safety Program should routinely be revised with the newest operational best practices information and OSHA recommendations to keep your employees safe and company in compliance. Although maintaining an IIPP can seem daunting at first, the benefits of investing in a good safety program are worth it. Many employers can (compared to those without one) experience:
- A reduction in fatalities, injuries, and illnesses
- Fewer OSHA penalties
- Increased productivity & reduced costs
Workplace Safety Programs will differ from industry to industry, depending on operations and exposure to various risks, but they should all include three fundamentals: a Safety Plan, General Industry Requirements, and any additional required procedures, plans, and/or equipment targeting company-specific hazards.
WORKPLACE SAFETY PROGRAM FUNDAMENTALS
SAFETY PLAN ESSENTIALS
- Policy / Objective / Goals Statement
- List of Roles, Responsibilities, and / or Responsible persons
- Communication Expectations
- Hazard Identification & Assessment
- Hazard Correction, Controls, & Safe Practices
- Incident Investigation
- Emergency / Accident Response(s)
- Employee Training & Education
- Program Audit & Improvements
- Injury / Illness Reporting Requirements
- Recordkeeping Requirements
MOST GEN. INDUSTRY EMPLOYERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE:
- Emergency Action Plan
- Fire Prevention Plan
- Established Exit Routes & Building Evacuation Plans
- A written Hazard Communication Program
- Training, Inspection, and Protection Systems for Walking / Working Surfaces
- Medical & First Aid Personnel and Supplies appropriate for the Workplace Hazards
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AN EMPLOYER MAY NEED:
- Machine Guarding Program
- Lockout / Tagout Procedures
- Electrical Safety Protocol
- Operation-specific Personal Protective Equipment
- Respiratory Protection Program
- Hearing Conservation (Noise) Program
- Confined Spaces Protocol
- Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
- Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) / Forklift Training Program
