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
• 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.

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