Key Elements of a Comprehensive Safety System

Every business needs a comprehensive safety management system. These will vary greatly based on the industry, but according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, all safety management plans should clearly address the following key issues:

Management commitment — Everyone in the organization – at all levels – must be committed to understanding and being actively involved in the safety and health program.

Employee involvement — Employees need to be aware of their importance and responsibility in workplace safety.

Incident and accident investigation policy and procedures — These are imperative not only to satisfy legal requirements, but also to prevent future incidents.

Safety training — A fully trained and knowledgeable workforce is the cornerstone of any safety system.

Management and workforce accountability — A program should be implemented to ensure all members of the organization are carrying out their safety and health responsibilities.

Hazard identification and control — Communication systems should be in place to allow the identification and control of new or previously unrecognized hazards.

Ongoing program review — System should be reviewed and updated regularly – at least annually – and improvements or adjustments made as needed.