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Safety, like any other management
function, has key elements that need to be followed in order for the program to
be successful in helping a company achieve its Corporate Mission. Too often,
however, companies do not have an understanding of the importance of each of the
elements of a Safety Program. Many companies have pieces and parts but not all
of the necessary elements.
When we talk about a Safety
Program we must always consider what it is that we want to achieve from our
efforts. A Safety Program should contribute directly to a company’s ability to
Be Successful, Grow and Make a Profit. It does this by protecting a
company’s must vital assets.
These include:
- Employees
- Property
- Equipment
- Production/Sales Capability
- Financial Strength
- Good Company Name
By doing so, a Safety Program has
more value to a company then one that is intended to simply help comply with
OSHA. Complying with OSHA should be a desired result, but should not be the
sole reason for having a Safety Program. Companies that understand this, also
understand the importance of having a comprehensive program instead of pieces
and parts. It is hard to get excited about OSHA compliance, but it is much
easier when there is a clear quantifiable return on the investment and efforts
made.
Over the years, I have reviewed
many different types of Safety Programs and the elements that make up the
programs. As a result, I have come to the strong belief that the following
elements are critical parts of an effective Safety Program:
- Senior Management Support and Direction
- Annual Plan
- Established Goals and Objectives
- Understanding Why Employees Behave the Way They Do
- Provide Proper Tools and Equipment
- Safe Job Procedures
- Proper and Thorough Safety Training
- Reinforcement, follow-up and enforcement
- Formal Safety Inspections and Corrections of Problems
- Accountability and Responsibility Clearly Outlined and Measured
- Annual Review and Update
Each of the above elements play
an important part and contributes to the success of a Safety Program. Does it
take some work and effort to implement? Yes, but this effort will pay off
significantly over the long haul. If your Safety Program doesn’t have all of
these elements, set up a plan to incorporate the missing elements over a period
of time. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a comprehensive Safety
Program. Once in place, however, the Safety Program will be much more effective
and help your company achieve your Corporate Mission.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with your company’s Safety Program, please give me a call at
1-800-356-1274.
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