The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is more than just a policymaker and enforcer; they also release guidance to help improve workplaces across the country. OSHA’s recently released “Safe and Sound” campaign reinforces existing ideas about safety at work while also building on the concepts and adding new ideas.
Now is the perfect time to look at the new information, ensuring that your workers can be safe and sound not just this summer, but well into the future. Here’s what you need to know.
Be Proactive With “Find and Fix”
Instead of handling safety in a reactionary way, the “find and fix” approach encourages workplaces to increase accountability by proactively identifying, isolating, and mitigating hazards before they can do harm. Not only is OSHA touting the benefits of the workplace philosophy, but they will also help businesses meet these goals with free materials and training options designed to help eliminate common hazards, prevent injuries, and avoid illnesses.
By addressing potential risks before they have the opportunity to cause harm, you can create a workplace with fewer accidents and illnesses. Additionally, it can bolster morale by demonstrating to your staff their safety is important to the organization, giving them additional support.
Get Everyone Involved
OSHA recommends companies look beyond the management level to create safe workplaces. While leaders may be responsible for setting specific policies, every employee should also take an active role.
By encouraging your staff to locate problems and identify solutions, you increase employee engagement in the process and empower them to be a part of their safety and the safety of others. It can also improve morale, increasing efficiency and productivity along the way.
Everything from worker surveys to safety committees to a specific point of contact to help manage safety concerns can be beneficial, depending on the size of your business.
Make the Program a Priority
While workers play a role in workplace safety, management still maintains a high level of responsibility. Making safety policies and goals a priority often must be handled from the top down, making it imperative that leadership do more than just define rules, but also be an example employees can follow.
Ultimately, this approach allows management to function as facilitators, bolstering workplace transformation.
OSHA wants to do more than just share the ideas above, but also help support business efforts. The program includes both incentives and initiatives, and will even offer on-site consultations to provide companies with guidance. The organization as a whole is working to change how it is perceived, as well, shifting from a regulatory-style body to become more involved at the local level.
If you are interested in learning more about how OSHA’s Safe and Sound program can help improve safety in your business, the professionals at CPS Recruitment can help you reach your goals. Contact us to discuss your objectives today and see how our expertise can benefit you.