2,377 days without a lost-time accident or injury and counting. How does that compare with your safety record? As of last week, that was the total for the safety client we’ve mentioned in other blog entries, Skinner Diesel. This company, which had a horrible safety record before we worked with them, is a truck repair and parts facility.
They were able to turn themselves around by adopting a team-based safety process. We have worked with them for a number of years, and have seen them reduce injuries and save money through this commitment. It worked for them, and establishing an effective health anbs afety program can work for you, too.
Last week I wrote about an OSHA publication that stressed the importance of an effective health and safety program for small businesses. The steps they list in creating an effective program parallel those in our Safety Always process.
OSHA states the first element in an effective program is management leadership and employee participation. For any cooperative process to work, effective communication and involvement of everyone in the organization is essential. OSHA cites examples of how this partnership can be achieved:
- Post the company’s written safety and health policy for all to see
- Involve employees in policymaking on safety and health issues
- Take an active part in safety activities
- Hold meetings that focus on employee safety and health
- Abide by all safety and health rules
- Show your commitment by investing time, effort, and money in your safety and health program.
Safety Always uses an employee-management safety committee to identify and correct safety and health related concerns, hopefully before they cause injuries or other problems. Committee members then involve others in thinking and acting safely.
In coming weeks, we will take a look at the other aspects of an effective health and safety program. In the meantime, contact CALMC for more information about establishing an effective health and safety program in your workplace.
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