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SAFETY SOLUTIONS: Safety Means . . . Never Having to Say You're Sorry
The definition of an accident is an “unplanned event”
and when one occurs in your facilities or homes we say
“I’m sorry,” hoping that will make a person feel better.
But in the event of a workplace accident, no matter how
sorry we truly feel, these words don’t really do anything.
As we begin this New Year, let’s contemplate how we are
going to improve our safety programs for our employees.
Management leadership and commitment is the motivating
force that drives a successful safety and health program.
Management must inherently value safety and be
committed to reducing workplace hazards and preventing
injuries and illnesses.
Management should establish specific safety and health
program responsibilities for managers, supervisors and
employees and hold them accountable for carrying out
those responsibilities.
Management and supervisor responsibilities include:
- Supporting injury and illness prevention efforts
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Conducting safety audits and correcting deficiencies
- Investigating accidents
- Providing effective training
- Enforcing safety rules and procedures
- Complying with OSHA requirements
It is important for employees to see that management is
actively involved in all of the different components of the
established safety and health program. A key part of a program
is the evaluation of the workplace for hazards. Many
hazards should already have been identified and corrected
through compliance with specific OSHA regulations. Make
an effort to identify all hazards that could result in an injury
or illness to even one employee.
Effective hazard assessment requires a variety of examinations,
such as:
- Review of safety and health information
- Workplace inspections
- Job Safety and Health Assessments (JSHA)
- Safety suggestions
- Safety committees
- Accident investigation
- Employee observation
Review your safety and health information including:
- Previous accident reports
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- OSHA regulations
- Industry-specific safety information such as best management
practices
- Safety articles, booklets and training materials.
Let’s travel into the New Year with the ultimate goal to
build improved safety and health programs. Remember
when an employee or one of your family members are
injured in an accident, the words “I’m Sorry” will not take
away the hurt. All accidents are unplanned events and
remember my quote; “It is either safe or it is un-safe!” Let’s
make 2008 a banner year in reducing accidents and injuries.
Remember, safety means never having to say you’re sorry!
If you need anything, please remember that all of us at
PD&F magazine are here to help provide you guidance.
For more information, click on the author biography at the top of the page.
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