Workplace Safety

Drug Free Workplace Sample Policy
Emergency Plan Sample Notice
OSHA Forms 300, 300A, 301
OSHA Forms 300, 300A, 301
Sample Safety Policy
The Importance of Workplace Policies and Programs
Workplace Violence Sample Policy

Frequently Asked Question's

Introduction

Safety relates to freedom from hazard, risk and injury. Employees should feel safe and secure at the workplace. Safety programs focus on preventing work related accidents and injuries that can be very costly to an organization. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) govern safety regulations and practices for most organizations. Organizations have basic responsibilities under OSHA regulations such as injury and illness reporting, hazardous material information and handling, precautions and providing safety equipment.

What are the essential elements of an effective safety and health program?

The elements of an effective safety and health program should include written safety responsibilities for managers and supervisors, procedures for dealing with emergencies and injuries, and frequent communication regarding the importance of safety. A safety plan should involve employees in program design and the promotion of safety awareness. Employees are usually the best source for information regarding safety hazards. Make sure that evacuation and emergency plans are part of new employee training and reviewed periodically. A company representative should be versed in OSHA's general duty clause and specific standards to ensure the proper monitoring and assessment of hazards and a record maintenance.

What are the recommended steps for an accident investigation?

Investigating accidents as they occur is important to aid in preventing future accidents. An accident investigation should be conducted immediately and may include taking photographs or make drawings of the accident scene before anything is moved or removed so the scene can be reviewed at a later date. A report should be completed documenting the details about the accident. All involved individuals should be interviewed as soon as possible so they will be more likely to remember details. Witnesses should be interviewed separately so as not to influence one another.