Business owners are faced with so many safety rules these days that it can seem overwhelming. With the vast number of regulations, it’s almost impossible to stay on top of all the requirements. If you are struggling with how to comply, the first step is to develop an effective safety program. For small businesses that can’t afford a full-time safety manager, it’s important to seek the advice of a safety expert.
Create a Workplace Safety Program
When developing a safety program, use OSHA requirements as your guide.
- Management commitment and employee participation are key to building a successful program. When management fully supports the system, it allows you to invest in the necessary financial and human resources. Employees must also understand the importance of their role in making the program work.
- Conduct a worksite analysis of safety concerns. Gather a team of professionals from each department to look for safety hazards. Review each concern and rate each based on severity and likelihood of occurrence. This will help you focus on the most critical areas first.
- Write procedures and work instructions to reduce or eliminate the risks.
- Train all employees on the company’s safety policies. Individuals with specific job instructions must also be trained.
- Audit the system to ensure that it works properly. Talk with employees to ensure they understand their role.
Seek Advice From a Safety Professional
If you don’t have the internal resources to develop a robust safety program, it’s time to seek the advice of an expert who is well-versed in all the regulations and requirements. Safety Consulting Dallas and other professionals recommend finding a trained expert who can help you create the best practices that will fit your needs.
Implementing a safety program is not only important for compliance purposes. It will also reduce the risk of accidents and injuries to your employees.