To establish consistency and credibility, and to comply with applicable federal (OSHA) and state regulations (Cal/OSHA, for example), it is important to document what you are doing. The written policies, procedures and programs should be posted for all employees to see, and can be distributed via your company’s intranet. A safety manual is one method of compiling all of your safety policies, procedures and programs. To remain effective, all policies, procedures and programs should be reviewed annually. Remember to stay current on all federal and state regulations and requirements.
An accident investigation program is a CRITICAL tool in preventing new accidents. It is always a key part of an effective safety process. All accidents, near misses and incidents should be thoroughly investigated. The investigation should be documented and provide answers to Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
Review all accidents, near-misses and incident investigations during your safety committee meetings. Also, consider linking an electronic accident reporting form to an Accident Evaluation form so that the information automatically flows from one form to the other.
Essential training for employees, supervisors and managers
It is imperative, and often a regulatory requirement, that everyone in the workplace be properly trained, including contractors, part-time employees and temporary employees. Employees must know how to do their jobs safely, how to recognize hazards and how to prevent injuries and illnesses. No employee should be expected to do a job until he has been trained to do it safety and is authorized to perform it!
Employees need to know:
1. The success of the safety and health program depends on everyone’s actions.
2. Safe work procedures are required for every job.
3. When and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. What to do when an emergency occurs.
Training and instruction should be provided:
1. To all employees when your program is first established, and annually, thereafter.
2. To all NEW employees, as part of their orientation.
3. To all employees given new job assignments for which they were not previously trained. (workersxzcompxzkit)
4. Whenever new substances, processes, procedures or equipment are introduced into the workplace.
5. To ALL supervisors.
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: Robert_Elliott@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
TO DOWNLOAD OR LISTEN TO FREE FRAUD PREVENTION AUDIO PODCAST click here: http://www.workerscompkit.com/gallagher/mp3
By: Anthony Van Gorp, private investigator with 25 years experience.
WC Books: http://www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/workers-comp-books-manuals.php
TD Calculator: www.ReduceYourWorkersComp.com/transitional-duty-cost-calculator.php
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker about workers’ comp issues.
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