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Almost 4.4 million people were injured at work in
2003, which cost employers approximately $43 billion, according to the Bureau of
Labor Statistics. Despite this large number, many small businesses do not have
safety programs.
A safety program is a valuable asset to any
business. An established safety program will protect employees, equipment and
property; provide financial strength; and maintain a company’s reputation. The
safety program, once implemented, should become an integral part of the
company’s mission statement. Safety should be prioritized along with the
company’s growth and economic success.
For safety to become a functional part of the work
environment, it must become a part of workplace culture. Management must
communicate this importance to employees. Company leaders have the
responsibility to make safety a part of employees’ daily routines and a
consistent, functioning part of the organization. Management should also make
safety a consideration in all company decisions, and it should be managed with
consistency and intensity. Excuses should not be allowed to hinder safety in the
workplace.
To prioritize and implement a safety program in the
workplace, management should:
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Provide senior
leadership and support to the program
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Write an annual plan
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Establish safety
performance goals that are known among all levels of management
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Identify methods of
unsafe employee behavior and correct them
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Develop safe work
procedures
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Define and measure
accountability and responsibility
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Establish and maintain a
safe work environment
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Provide safe tools and
equipment
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Conduct detailed safety
training
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Provide positive
reinforcement
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Allow employee input and
involvement in the safety program
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Review and update the
program annually.
A successful safety program must be well-planned and
organized. Safety will reduce costs to the company and increase profits. Safety
will also protect employees, the company’s most valuable asset.
For additional information concerning safety
programs, please contact American Safety & Health Management
Consultants, Inc. at 1-800-356-1274.
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