OSHA - Elements of an Effective Safety and Health Program

It has been found that effective management of worker safety and health programs

Common Characteristics of Exemplary Workplaces

Use of organized and systematic methods to

An effective program

Includes provisions for systematic identification, evaluation and prevention or control of hazards
Goes beyond specific requirements of the law to address all hazards
Written program
"In writing" less important than its effectiveness
As size and complexity of worksite or process increases, so does need for written guidance

Major Elements

An effective occupational safety and health program will include the following four elements

Management Commitment and Employee Involvement

Management commitment and employee involvement are complementary
Management commitment provides the motivating force and resources for organizing and controlling activities within an organization
Employee involvement provides the means through which workers develop and express their own commitment to safety & health protection
State clearly a worksite safety and health policy
Establish and communicate a clear goal and objective for the safety and health
program
Provide visible top management involvement in implementing the program

Encourage employee involvement in the program and in decisions that affect their
safety and health (e.g., inspection or hazard analysis teams; developing or revising safe
work rules; training new hires or co-workers; assisting in accident investigations)
Assign and communicate responsibility for all aspects of the program
Provide adequate authority and resources to responsible parties
Hold managers, supervisors, and employees accountable for meeting their
responsibilities
Review program operations at least annually, to evaluate, identify deficiencies, and revise, as needed

Worksite Analysis

Worksite analysis involves a variety of worksite examinations, to identify not only
existing hazards, but also conditions and operations where changes might occur to create
hazards
Effective management actively analyzes the work and the worksite to anticipate and
prevent harmful occurrences

So that all hazards are identified
Conduct comprehensive baseline and periodic surveys for safety and health
Analyze planned and new facilities, processes, materials, and equipment
Perform routine job hazard analyses
Provide for regular site safety and health inspections
Provide a reliable system for employees, without fear of reprisal, to notify management about apparent hazardous conditions and to receive timely and appropriate responses
Provide for investigation of accidents and “near miss” incidents, so that their causes and means for prevention are identified
Analyze injury and illness trends over time, so that patterns with common causes can be identified and prevented

Hazard Prevention and Control:

Triggered by a determination that a hazard or potential hazard exists
Where feasible, prevent hazards by effective design of job or job site
Where elimination is not feasible, control hazards to prevent unsafe and unhealthful exposure
Elimination or control must be accomplished in a timely manner

Establish procedures for timely correction or control of hazards, including
Engineering techniques, where feasible and appropriate
Procedures for safe work which are understood and followed as a result of training, positive reinforcement, correction of unsafe performance, and enforcement
Provision of personal protective equipment
Administrative controls
Provide for facility and equipment maintenance
Plan and prepare for emergencies
Training and drills, as needed
Establish a medical program
First aid on site
Physician and emergency care nearby

Addresses the safety and health responsibilities of all personnel, whether salaried
or hourly
Most effective when incorporated into other training about performance requirements
and job practices
Complexity depends on size and complexity of worksite and nature of hazards
Ensure that all employees understand the hazards to which they may be exposed and how to prevent harm to themselves and others from exposure to these hazards
Ensure that supervisors carry out their safety and health responsibilities,
including
– Analyzing the work under their supervision to identify unrecognized potential hazards

– Maintaining physical protections in work areas

– Reinforcing employee training through continual performance feedback and, if needed, enforcement of safe work practices
Ensure that managers understand their safety and health responsibilities, as described under the Management Commitment and Employee Involvement element of the guidelines