Every business should have some form of safety program for their employees to reference. The safety program achieves several goals. It informs employees of the dangers and hazards they may or will face while working. A safety program also creates a standard of safety that all employees should meet and try to beat. It also sets a tone amongst the employees; it lets them know where management stands on protecting their wellbeing. A safety program is also mandatory in some settings by OSHA.
Every business should have some form of safety program for their employees to reference. The safety program achieves several goals. It informs employees of the dangers and hazards they may or will face while working. A safety program also creates a standard of safety that all employees should meet and try to beat. It also sets a tone amongst the employees; it lets them know where management stands on protecting their wellbeing. A safety program is also mandatory in some settings by OSHA.
A manufacturing company will have a larger more in depth safety program than Home Depot, but they are both just as important. Owners of large companies want to protect their employees. Accidents are costly and hiring and training new people can be expensive. A well written and relevant safety program will keep accidents low, send a clear message of concern to employees, and set an expectation of performance. The obvious next question is how to get a safety program or how to know if the program currently in use is sufficient. The answer to both questions is to hire a safety firm to perform a safety audit.
A good safety audit will not only encompass the actual working facility but it will also encompass all the necessary documentation for training, injuries, and any industrial hygiene monitoring that has been performed. A “paper audit” is when the Industrial Hygienist, Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) comes to the plant to audit all documentation. They will have a lot of questions and probably want to speak with management, facility managers, and safety coordinators. The paper audit covers 6 main topics and is over 29 pages.
The CIH or CSP will discuss very specific aspects of a current safety program or utilize this check list to determine the type of program is desired. To have a successful safety program everyone must be “on board” with the message being sent to the employees. Management has to not only agree and set rules; they must also follow the rules and provide incentives for employees to participate in the program.
Programs that are successful typically have a companywide backing. Safety committees are formed, all employees are made to participate, and everybody is allowed and encouraged to bring problems or issues to their manager without the threat of getting into trouble or being brushed off. It is imperative that a program isn’t just forced onto employees, but instead all employees are made aware of the new changes and management demonstrates that this change is a serious one. To find a safety firm that can help create a culture of safety click here.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
