Safety Management Systems
SMS (A 5 step process)
Safety and Health Management Program
In order to comply with the General Safety
& Health Provisions outlined, it is necessary to establish a formal, written
safety and health program. In addition,
by developing and implementing a written safety and health program our company
will qualify for a “Focused Inspection”
rather than a “Comprehensive Inspection”
should we receive a compliance visit from OSHA.
To
raise the level of worker protection on @CompanyName projects and to obtain an exemplary safety record, the Safety
and Health Management Program was developed with the goal of creating a
safety culture that encourages cooperation between all parties of the project
and increases participation by craftsmen and their representatives in the
everyday safety activities. In addition, by developing and implementing this
written safety and health program we will qualify for SHARP.
Experience and research have demonstrated that
compliance with the minimum government rules results in the minimum protection
of employees with an average safety record. It has been well established that
an effective safety and health program is the best way to reduce workplace injuries.
It has been well established that an effective
safety and health program is the best way to reduce workplace injuries. The elements of an effective program should
include the following:
1. MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP: Assigns safety and health responsibility and
authority to supervisors and employees and holds them accountable.
2.
WORKER
PARTICIPATION: Workers and their
representatives are involved in all aspects of the program—including setting
goals, identifying and reporting hazards, investigating incidents, and tracking
progress.
3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION & ASSESSMENT: Identifies
current and potential hazards. It
includes a thorough baseline survey, to identify unsafe acts and conditions;
job hazard analysis (written safe operating procedures for major tasks); a
self-inspection program, a system for reporting hazards; accident and incident
investigation; and analysis of injuries and illnesses.
4. HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL:
Prevention consists of regular maintenance and housekeeping; emergency
planning and preparation; first aid; and ready access to emergency care. Control includes machine guards, enclosures,
locks, protective equipment, safe work procedures, and placement of personnel
so as to minimize hazards.
5. EDUCATION & TRAINING: Train employers, managers, and supervisors on their
roles in the program.
Employers, managers, and supervisors are responsible for workers'
safety, yet sometimes have little training on safety-related concepts and
techniques. They may benefit from specific training that allows them to fulfill
their leadership roles in the program.All workers are trained to understand how the
program works and how to carry out their responsibilities assigned to them
under the program. Everyone, from
managers through supervisors to employees, about the hazards they may be
exposed to, and their identification, prevention, and control. Managers and supervisors also need training
in program management (e.g., enforcing rules, conducting drills).
6. PROGRAM EVALUATION & IMPROVEMENT covers control measures
and periodic evaluation for effectiveness.
Verify that the
program is implemented and is operating. Initially
and at least annually, employers need to evaluate the program to ensure that it
is operating as intended, is effective in controlling identified hazards, and
is making progress toward established safety and health goals and objectives.
7. COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION WITH HOST EMPLOYERS, CONTRACTORS,
AND STAFFING AGENCIES: In
today's economy, an increasing number of workers are assigned by staffing
agencies to work at specific host worksites under the direction and
control of the host employer. It is
important for the staffing agency and the host employer to communicate and
coordinate to provide and maintain a safe work environment for their
workers. In other situations, some
workers are employed by a host employer and others by a contractor or
subcontractor. Safety is enhanced if employers establish mechanisms to
coordinate their efforts and communicate effectively to afford all workers equal
protection against hazards.
Need help establishing a solid Safety and Health Management
Program? I do private contract
consulting and would be happy to discuss options with you
Author: Deborah Grow, Safety
Specialist
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