Creating a successful accident prevention program is important for both your employees and your company.
Why do you need a formal safety and health program in your workplace?
Implementing a safety and health program can reduce the chance of injury and illness.
What are the benefits of a formal safety and health program?
Besides for reducing injury and illness, a formal safety and health program cause fewer workers to miss work. Additionally, the safe, healthy way of doing things is often the most efficient which can increase your productivity and profit. By involving your staff in the process of creating and implementing a safety and health program you will help increase their loyalty to you and the company as well as their commitment to your program. Worker’s need to know that their company cares for their well-being and safety.
You can show even more concern for your workers by expanding your program to offer safety and health advice for off-the-job activities. Communicate this program clearly to all of your staff and workers. Involve them in the formation of your program. They may offer unique ideas that can eliminate or minimize hazards and also increase productivity. This involvement will cement their commitment to the safety and health program. Consider forming a joint worker-management safety committee.
Nine Keys to a Successful Accident Prevention Program
- A written safety policy must be communicated to all employees. The safety policy must be enforced and supported by managers and owners. If your actions show that you consider safety and health to be important and an important part of your operations, your workers’ actions will reflect that as well.
- Just like line supervisors, office managers should be held accountable for the incidence of job-related injuries just as they are held accountable for production and quality objectives; their performance evaluations should consider their units’ safety performance. Train supervisors and managers to recognize hazardous conditions and unsafe acts and how to correct workers.
- Supervisors and managers should have a solid understanding of and be responsible for the following activities: Regular workplace inspections, accident investigation, employee relations and motivational techniques, costs of accidents on production and company profits, and safety rules and procedures.
- Train employees when new procedures are introduced. Effective training, particularly of new employees, is crucial. It is estimated that in some industries, new employees (less than 6 months on the job) account for 30% of all injuries. Poor work habits or safety behavior should be corrected immediately. Train employees when safety performance is not meeting objectives and lack of understanding is identified.
- Establish a safety committee that includes top management, office managers, and employees. These committees must discuss accidents, solutions, hazards and their correction. Every effort should be made to implement the solutions they offer.
- Even with the best protocols and training accidents can still occur, therefore it is necessary to have the following programs in place to control costs: Proper first aid training and supplies, Prompt and thorough accident investigation, Prompt claims reporting to your insurance company, and a return-to-work program or an offer of modified or alternative work that lasts at least 12 months.
- An incentive program might be adopted to encourage improved performance in safety. A program should be meaningful, fair, purposeful and honest and should be evaluated periodically to ensure that it is effective.
- Proper employee selection is important. A post-offer, pre- placement physical should be considered for certain categories of jobs, such as strenuous jobs or jobs that involve exposure to chemicals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) imposes strict requirements for physical exams, and care should be taken to comply with all such ADA procedures. It is advisable to check with a labor relations attorney, as “fair employment practices” law, in addition to the ADA, may be applicable.
- Encourage and act on employees’ concerns, safety suggestions and ideas. Use employee feedback to continually update and revise safety procedures and manuals.
How to make Worker’s Safety a Priority in the Office.
Contact Fidella Insurance today to find out if you and your workers are properly covered in the event of an accident.
