When it comes to workplace safety, certain industries stand out as having a much higher risk for injuries: manufacturing facilities, construction sites, transportation services, and medical facilities, to name a few. Should companies that are in perceivably lower-risk industries still maintain a focus on occupational safety and health? The answer is yes! What if you’re a small operation? Is it worth it to put some time and energy into best safety practices? Yes again!
Safety is important to every organization: public or private, big or small, no matter the industry.
Read on for answers to some common questions related to safety in the workplace.
What’s the point?
In addition to improving productivity and employee morale, making safety a priority in your organization means you can save money. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, every year businesses spend $170 billion of their profits on costs related to occupational injuries and illnesses. They estimate that an improved focus on safety and health can reduce such costs by 20 to 40 percent, and companies can save $4 to $6 for every $1 invested in a safety program.
In addition, frequency of injury is a major component of workers’ compensation rates, and reducing that frequency could improve yours, especially if you’re enrolled in a workers’ compensation captive program.
How do I develop a safety program for my business?
First and foremost, OSHA compliance is of utmost importance. Not sure if your company is up-to-date on best practices? Consider signing up for OSHA Training. There are online and classroom trainings, as well as certificate programs, available at the Mid-Atlantic OSHA Training Institute Education Center. There are also education centers at several other locations that may be more convenient for you.
But it’s more than just compliance. Your program should be designed with your specific operations in mind. OSHA suggests five elements that should be included in an organization’s safety program:
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Management Leadership and Employee Participation
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Workplace Analysis
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Hazard Prevention and Control
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Safety and Health Training and Education (see links above)
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Program Evaluation
How do I go about conducting a workplace analysis?
Such an analysis requires scrupulously looking at all the conditions of your facility to determine existing risks and remove existing or potential hazards. To get started, consider contacting a Safety & Risk Management Solutions expert. Along with your own history of workplace incidents and knowledge of risk, they can provide insight into additional hazards you may not be aware of, as well as many other services such as Emergency Response, Equipment Sales and Rentals and more.
How do I keep a safety program going?
Once a program is developed, in order to monitor the efficacy of any safety program and keep it successfully maintained, it’s best to appoint one person as a safety manager. If your operation doesn’t have the capacity for someone to serve as safety manager, consider reaching out to a risk solutions professional who can help you as well.
How do I get my employees to participate?
You must go beyond posting policies on a bulletin board and giving a speech at a meeting once or twice a year to really get your employees to buy in to the safety program. OSHA suggests engaging your employees regularly throughout the year on safety topics impacting their daily activities. Include employees in your safety and health policymaking. Provide regular, documented safety education to your employees and integrate safety into the company’s mission, values, and daily operations. Management should provide clear safety expectations for all employees and managers to follow while encouraging employees to participate in the safety process within the organization. Actively solicit employee feedback, formalize employee safety committees, and reward employees for safe behaviors. The goal is to develop a positive company safety culture so that employees understand the financial impact of safety and how it impacts both the organization and them.
For more information on creating a safer workplace, lowering your workers’ compensation rates and all other things related to insurance and benefits, give us a call at 717-755-9266 or email us at to be connected with one of our experts.
