What Is a Safety Program?

A Safety Program is designed to educate and make employees aware of potential jobs hazards.  As a result the education should prevent injuries on the job and keep employees aware of their surroundings.  There are multitudes of hazards that employees can be exposed to while on the job.  Some may not have an immediate reaction, while others may have immediate consequences.  For example, broken bones are immediately recognizable, but prolonged exposure to certain chemicals may have a more delayed presentation of the effects.  Both consequences are just as important to the employee that must live with them.  A proper safety program set up by a Certified Safety Professional, or CSP, who will work to identify potential hazards on an ongoing basis to ensure a safe working environment.

Often times a simple way to increase safety is to simply choose the right equipment for the job.  Perhaps utilizing scaffolding instead of a ladder prevent the falls or more frequent training on how to properly secure one’s self to the scaffolding would prevent broken bones.  Dependent on the type of chemicals and the manner in which they are being handled, respirators can be utilized until proper ventilation can be installed.   A CSP can not only recognizing the problems in the workplace, but also what solutions could be implemented to reduce the risk of accident or injury. 

The CSP would visit the facility and do thorough walk through of the whole plant.  Having a firm grasp on how the work is performed is crucial to understanding where potential hazards lay.  Once he has finished his walk through, he will compile a report that will detail his findings.  He will address aspects of the plants workflow where safety could be improved.  He will also audit current training methods to see if those could be improved as well. 

OSHA encourages all facilities to incorporate their safety standards into a written plan.  At any time, OSHA can come into the facility to evaluate the safety procedures that are in place, and may issue large fines if they find something that is not up to their standards.  This is when a safety plan can be a useful tool.  A Certified Safety Professional can ensure all codes are being met and that they are current with any new regulation that OSHA releases. 

The Safety Plan should be updated periodically to ensure the best procedures are being used and that training is adequate.  Click hereto find a Certified Safety Inspector in your area to have a Safety Plan put together for you.