In 1998, OSHA issued a draft proposal for a safety and health program that would require all employers to hold their managers, supervisors, and employees accountable for safety in the workplace. Although this proposal has not moved forward, several states have adopted requirements for safety and health programs, also referred to as injury and illness prevention programs.

OSHA’s draft proposal and the states’ requirements provide good outlines for program elements. The states with provisions for safety and health programs include California, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan (for construction only), Minnesota, Nevada, New York (required only on the recommendation of a consultant), Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Even if your company is not in one of these states, adopting a safety and health program can help improve safety and reduce injuries.

An effective safety and health program should address the following elements:

Management leadership and employee participation

Establish the program responsibilities of managers, supervisors, and employees for safety and health and hold them accountable for carrying out those responsibilities. Provide the authority, access to information, training, and resources. Designate at least one person be responsible for the overall program, and ensure that all employees have the opportunity to participate.

Hazard identification and prevention

Assess the workplace to identify hazards; evaluate new equipment, materials, and processes; and review safety and health information. Set priorities and deadlines and tracking progress in controlling hazards.

Retain records of inspections to identify unsafe conditions and work practices, including action taken to correct those conditions and work practices. These records can help identify trends in injuries or near-misses.

Information and training

Provide employees with information and training in the safety and health program and any hazards in their work area. This should include the nature of the hazards and how to recognize them; what is being done to control the hazards; and the protective measures to prevent or minimize exposure.

Provide such information and training:

• before initial assignment to a job involving exposure to a hazard;
• whenever new substances, processes, procedures, or equipment are introduced that represent a new safety and health hazard; and
• whenever the employer is made aware of a new or previously unrecognized hazard.

Conduct refresher training as often as necessary to ensure that employees are adequately trained and informed.

Ensuring and evaluating program effectiveness

A system for ensuring that employees comply with safe and healthy work practices might include recognition of employees who follow safe and healthful work practices, training and retraining programs, and disciplinary actions.

Evaluate the safety and health program to ensure that it is effective and appropriate to workplace conditions as often as necessary to ensure program effectiveness.