How to Create a Sustainable Safety and Health Program for Your Small to Medium Businesses

Safety and health are essential for any Small to Medium Business (SMB). A successful Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) program can help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, save money, and improve the bottom line. However, creating and maintaining an effective OSH program can be challenging for SMBs, which often have limited resources.

As a small to medium business owner, the safety and health of your employees should be a company's top value. Implementing a successful occupational safety and health program can not only protect your employees but also your business. Every employee represents a larger portion of the entire company in every position. Even with larger companies, we have witnessed a shrink in the number of people with each one doing more with less, making each person more critical if they were unable to be there. With the right components in place, you can create a safe and healthy workplace that fosters productivity and success.

Don't wait until an accident happens to act. Invest in a comprehensive program that includes hazard assessments, employee training, and regular safety audits. By doing so, you'll not only be complying with legal requirements, but you'll also be demonstrating to your employees that you care about their well-being. Take the first step towards a safer workplace today.

In this article, I will outline several key components that every company requires to build and maintain a successful Safety and Health program, including:

·       Management leadership: Management must be visibly committed to safety and health and provide the resources necessary to implement and maintain a successful program.

·       Worker participation: Workers should be involved in all aspects of the Safety and Health program, from identifying hazards to developing and implementing controls.

·       Hazard identification and assessment: The program should include a systematic process for identifying and assessing workplace hazards.

·       Hazard prevention and control: Once hazards have been identified, the program should include controls to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury or illness.

·       Education and training: Workers should be provided with education and training on safety and health procedures, as well as on how to identify and report hazards.

·       Program evaluation and improvement: The program should be regularly evaluated to ensure that it is effective and to identify areas for improvement.

It is a requirement that these components interact with each other to create a sustainable Safety and Health program that will grow with the company and continue to have success in the future even as leaders change, and employees grow.

Management leadership is essential for setting the tone for safety and health within the organization. When managers demonstrate their commitment to safety and health, employees are more likely to do the same. Set clear goals for safety and health performance and communicate them to your employees. Provide the resources necessary to implement and maintain a successful Safety and Health program. This includes vital funding for training and equipment. Be visible and accessible. Take the time to regularly walk around your workplace and talk to your employees about safety and health, listen to their concerns and ideas to correct them, spend time looking for issues that can cause health or safety issues, and get them corrected. Many times, these same issues are the ones causing production delays. Always lead by example and follow safety and health procedures yourself.

Worker participation is essential for a successful Safety and Health program. Employees are the ones who are on the job every day, so they are often the first to identify hazards. They also have a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be used to develop and implement effective safety and health controls. Having clear and open communication with the employees at all levels allows management to find out about and correct hazards quickly.

Establish a joint safety and health committee (JSHC). A JSHC is a group of representatives from both management and labor that meets regularly to discuss safety and health issues and to make recommendations for improvement. JSHCs can play a vital role in identifying and assessing hazards, developing, and implementing safety and health controls, and educating and training workers on safety and health procedures. These committee members must have the power to enact changes when they find issues.

Encourage workers to report hazards. Employees should feel comfortable reporting hazards without fear of retaliation. Employers can create a culture of safety where workers feel comfortable reporting hazards by providing training on hazard identification and reporting procedures, and by investigating and addressing reported hazards promptly. There also needs to be a live view for the employees to see the hazards that have been identified and what is being done to correct them while identifying the person who is responsible for making the corrective action take place in case the employees have questions or ideas to help. This also provides accountability to get the corrective action completed on time.

Provide opportunities for workers to participate in safety and health activities. This could include participating in workplace inspections, developing and implementing safety and health procedures, or training other workers on safety and health programs. This makes the employees the core of the program and allows them personal buy-in to the program. In addition to these specific examples, employers can involve workers in a health and safety program by simply creating a culture of safety where workers feel valued and respected. When workers feel like they are part of the safety and health team, they are more likely to be engaged and proactive. Remember, safety needs to be everyone’s responsibility.

Here are some specific examples of how worker participation can lead to improvements in safety and health:

·       A worker on the assembly line notices that a machine guard is broken. The worker reports the hazard to the supervisor, and the guard is repaired immediately. This prevents a potential accident from happening.

·       A group of workers on the JSHC identify a hazard associated with a new task. The committee develops a safe work procedure for the task and trains all workers on the procedure. This reduces the risk of injury or illness.

·       A worker participates in developing a new safety training program. The worker's input helps to ensure that the training is relevant and engaging for workers. This leads to more effective training and improved worker safety and health knowledge.

·       Worker participation is essential for a successful Safety and Health program. By involving workers in all aspects of the program, employers can get valuable input on how to improve safety and health. This leads to a safer and healthier workplace for everyone.

Hazard identification and assessment is the foundation of any Safety and Health program. Employers must have a systematic process for identifying and assessing workplace hazards. This can be done through regular inspections, audits, and employee surveys. Each of these must be tracked and monitored for improvements and trends. Once hazards have been identified, employers and employees can work together to develop and implement controls.

Hazard prevention and control

Worker participation is essential for a successful Safety and Health program. Workers are the ones who are on the job every day, so they are often the first to identify hazards. They also have the best understanding of the specific tasks and processes that they perform and therefore have valuable insights into how to improve safety and health. There are many ways to involve workers in Safety and health programs. Some common examples include:

·       Joint safety and health committees: These committees are made up of representatives from both management and labor. They meet regularly to discuss safety and health issues and to make recommendations for improvement.

·       Safety and health surveys: Employers can survey workers to get their input on safety and health concerns. This can be done through anonymous surveys or focus groups.

·       Hazard reporting programs: Employers should encourage workers to report hazards without fear of retaliation. This can be done through a confidential reporting system or a designated safety and health representative.

·       Safety and health training: Employers should provide training to all workers on safety and health procedures, as well as on how to identify and report hazards.

·       Employee involvement in Safety and health program development and implementation: Workers should be involved in all aspects of the Safety and Health program, from developing the program to implementing it and evaluating its effectiveness.

In addition to these common methods, there are many other creative ways to involve workers in Safety and Health programs. For example, employers can:

·       Establish safety and health champions: These are workers who are enthusiastic about safety and health and who are willing to volunteer their time to promote safety and health in the workplace.

·       Create safety and health suggestion boxes: This is a straightforward way to collect safety and health suggestions from workers.

·       Hold safety and health brainstorming sessions: This is a wonderful way to generate innovative ideas for improving safety and health.

·       Implement safety and health gamification: This can be a fun and engaging way to promote safety and health in the workplace.

·       When involving workers in Safety and Health programs, it is important to create an environment where workers feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their ideas. Employers should also make sure that worker input is taken seriously, and that action is taken to address workers' concerns.

Here are some specific examples of how worker participation has led to improved safety and health:

·       At a manufacturing plant, workers identified a hazard with a machine guard. The workers suggested a modification to the guard, which was implemented by the employer. The modification eliminated the hazard and prevented a potential significant injury.

·       At a construction site, workers developed a new safety procedure for working at heights. The new procedure was more effective than the previous procedure and reduced the number of near misses.

·       At a healthcare facility, workers identified a trend in repetitive strain injuries among nurses. The workers worked with management to develop and implement a new ergonomic program, which reduced the number of injuries.

·       At a food processing plant, workers participated in developing a new training program on food safety. The workers' insights helped to ensure that the training program was effective and relevant to the workers who would be using it.

·       These are just a few examples of how worker participation can improve safety and health in the workplace. By involving workers in all aspects of the Safety and Health program, employers can create a safer and healthier workplace for everyone.

There are four main types of hazard controls:

Elimination: Removing the hazard or people completely is the most effective means to protect the employees. Elimination is the preferred method of hazard control because it is the most effective and dependable. It also eliminates the need for workers to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), which can be uncomfortable and cumbersome.

Engineering controls: Engineering controls are physical changes that are made to the workplace or equipment to eliminate or reduce hazards. For example, installing a machine guard to prevent workers from being caught in moving machinery, or improving the ventilation in a workplace to reduce exposure to harmful fumes.

Administrative controls: Administrative controls are changes to the way work is done to reduce exposure to hazards. For example, rotating workers to different tasks to reduce their exposure to repetitive motions or establishing a lockout/tagout system to prevent accidental machine startup.

Personal protective equipment (PPE): PPE is equipment that workers wear to protect themselves from hazards that cannot be eliminated or reduced through engineering or administrative controls. For example, providing workers with safety glasses to protect their eyes from flying debris, or respirators to protect them from breathing harmful fumes.

When selecting hazard controls, it is important to consider the following factors:

·       The type of hazard

·       The severity of the hazard

·       The feasibility of the control

·       The cost of the control

·       The effectiveness of the control

It is also important to ensure that hazard controls are properly implemented and maintained. For example, machine guards must be inspected regularly to ensure that they are in good condition, and respirators must be fitted properly to ensure that they provide adequate protection.

Here are some specific examples of hazard prevention and control measures:

Elimination: (Best)

·       Substituting a less hazardous material or process. For example, using a water-based cleaner instead of a solvent-based cleaner.

·       Engineering out the hazard. For example, installing a machine guard to prevent workers from being caught in moving machinery.

·       Isolating the hazard. For example, building a barrier around a noisy machine.

·       Removing the hazard from the workplace. For example, outsourcing a hazardous task to a third-party vendor.

Engineering controls: (First control to implement)

·       Installing a machine guard on a piece of equipment.

·       Improving the ventilation in a workplace.

·       Design a new workplace layout to reduce tripping hazards.

·       Purchasing ergonomic equipment to reduce repetitive strain injuries.

Administrative controls: (second control to implement when engineering controls are ineffective)

·       Rotating workers to different tasks to reduce their exposure to hazards.

·       Establishing a lockout/tagout system to prevent accidental machine startup.

·       Providing training to workers on how to identify and report hazards.

·       Developing a written safety and health program.

PPE: (Always the last type of control to implement)

·       Providing workers with safety glasses to protect their eyes from flying debris that is comfortable and effective for the work.

·       Providing workers with the approved respirators to protect them from breathing harmful fumes or chemicals.

·       Providing workers with the correct hearing protection to protect them from excessive noise levels that they are exposed to.

·       Providing workers with hard hats to protect their heads from falling objects.

By implementing effective hazard prevention and control measures, employers can create a safer and healthier workplace for their employees. Employee participation in hazard prevention and control will play a significant role in hazard prevention and control. Employees can:

·       Report hazards to their supervisor.

·       Suggest hazard controls to their supervisor.

·       Provide input and be involved in the selection, testing, and implementation of hazard controls.

·       Help to maintain hazard controls.

·       Encourage other employees to follow safety and health procedures.

By participating in hazard prevention and control, employees can help to make their workplace safer and healthier for everyone as the next step in the Safety and Health process. Employers and employees can implement a variety of controls to eliminate or reduce hazards, such as engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE). It is important to select the right controls for each hazard and to ensure that they are properly implemented and maintained.

Education and training are essential for ensuring that workers know how to work safely and healthfully. Employers must provide training on safety and health procedures, as well as on how to identify and report hazards. Training should be provided to all new employees and to existing employees when new hazards are introduced or when procedures change.

In addition to basic safety and health training, employers need to also provide training on specific hazards that are present in the workplace. For example, employers in the construction industry should provide training on fall hazards, electrical hazards, and power tool hazards. Employers in the healthcare industry should provide training on bloodborne pathogens, sharps safety, and chemical safety.

Training can be delivered in a variety of formats, including:

·       Classroom training: This is the most common type of training, and it is well-suited for teaching complex topics or for providing hands-on training. (More information will be released on this in the future for those who follow me)

·       Online training: This type of training is convenient and flexible, and it can be used to reach remote employees. This has become far more popular but requires different skills and tools to be effective.

·       On-the-job training: This type of training is typically provided by a supervisor or experienced worker, and it allows employees to learn safety and health procedures in the context of their actual job duties.

When developing and delivering safety and health training, it is important to consider the following factors:

·       The needs of the audience: The training should be tailored to the specific needs of the employees who will be receiving it. For example, new employees will need more basic training than experienced employees. Evaluate the knowledge of the learners so that you can plan training that is valuable to them.

·       The type of hazards presented in the workplace: The training should cover the specific hazards that are present in the workplace, as well as the procedures that employees need to follow to stay safe.

·       The learning styles of the audience: The training should be delivered in a way that is effective for all learners. For example, some learners may prefer visual aids, while others may prefer to learn by doing.

·       It is also important to evaluate the effectiveness of safety and health training. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or skills assessments. By evaluating the effectiveness of training, employers can identify areas where improvement is needed.

Employees can also play a vital role in education and training. Employees can:

·       Provide feedback on safety and health training.

·       Suggest topics for new safety and health training.

·       Help to develop and deliver safety and health training.

·       Share their knowledge and experience with other employees.

By participating in education and training, employees can help to make their workplace safer and healthier for everyone.

Here is an example of how education and training can improve safety and health:

A construction company provides training to all new employees on fall hazards. The training covers the distinct types of fall hazards, the risks associated with each hazard, and the procedures that employees need to follow to stay safe. One of the new employees, John, is working on a high-rise construction site. One day, John is working on a scaffold when he notices that the guardrail is damaged. John remembers the training he received on fall hazards, and he knows that the damaged guardrail is a serious hazard. John reports the damaged guardrail to his supervisor, and the guardrail is repaired immediately. By reporting the hazard, John helps to prevent a potential fall accident. This example shows how education and training can help to improve safety and health in the workplace. By providing training on safety and health procedures, employers can help to ensure that their employees know how to work safely.

Program evaluation and improvement is the last step in the Safety and Health process is program evaluation and improvement. This is important because it helps to ensure that your program is effective and that you are continuously identifying and addressing areas for improvement. There are several ways to evaluate your Safety and Health program, including:

·       Tracking injury and illness rates: This is a key indicator of the overall effectiveness of your program. If you are seeing a decrease in injury and illness rates, then you know that your program is working. However, if you are seeing an increase in injury and illness rates, then you need to identify the root causes and make necessary changes to your program.

·       Conducting safety audits: Safety audits are a systematic way to identify hazards and assess the effectiveness of your hazard controls. Safety audits can be conducted by internal staff or by external consultants.

·       Surveying employees: Employee surveys can provide valuable feedback on your Safety and Health program. Employees can tell you what they like about the program, what they don't like about the program, and what they think could be improved.

Once you have evaluated your Safety and Health program, you need to develop a plan to address any areas for improvement. This plan should include specific goals, timelines, and resources.

Why is program evaluation and improvement important for SMBs? Program evaluation and improvement are especially important for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) because SMBs often have limited resources. By regularly evaluating and improving their Safety and Health programs, SMBs can help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, which can save them money and improve their bottom line.

·       How can SMBs create a sustainable Safety and Health program? To create a sustainable Safety and Health program, SMBs need to:

·       Get buy-in from leadership: The CEO and other senior leaders need to be committed to safety and health for the program to be successful.

·       Involve employees: Employees should be involved in all aspects of the Safety and Health program, from developing the program to implementing it and evaluating its effectiveness.

·       Provide training and resources: Employees need to be trained in safety and health procedures, and they need to have access to the resources they need to work safely.

·       Continuously evaluate and improve: SMBs need to regularly evaluate their Safety and Health programs and make necessary changes to improve their effectiveness.

By following these tips, SMBs can create a sustainable Safety and Health program that will protect their employees and their businesses.

Here is an example of how an SMB can use program evaluation and improvement to improve safety and health:

A small manufacturing company has a Safety and Health program in place, but the company has noticed an increase in the number of repetitive strain injuries. The company's safety and health manager decided to survey employees to learn more about repetitive strain injuries. The survey results show that the injuries are being caused by a new production process that was implemented recently. The safety and health manager works with the production manager to identify ways to make the production process less physically demanding. They also implement a training program for employees on how to avoid repetitive strain injuries. As a result of these changes, the number of repetitive strain injuries decreased significantly. This example shows how program evaluation and improvement can be used to identify and address safety and health hazards. How the Components Matter and Interact with Each Other the components of a successful Safety and Health program interact with each other in several ways. For example, management leadership is essential for ensuring that worker participation is meaningful, and that hazard identification and assessment is effective. When workers feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be engaged in the Safety and Health process and to report hazards. Additionally, management must provide the resources necessary to implement and maintain effective hazard prevention and control measures.

Education and training are also essential for the success of all other components of the Safety and Health program. Workers need to know how to work safely and healthfully to identify and report hazards, implement controls, and follow safety procedures. We can never assume that someone knows the correct way to complete a task. We must train them in our procedures to ensure they are following the right methods. It is impossible to hold someone accountable for something that you did not teach them.

In Conclusion

Finally, program evaluation and improvement are essential for ensuring that the Safety and Health program is effective and sustainable over time. By tracking injury and illness rates, conducting safety audits, and surveying employees, employers can identify areas where the program needs to be improved. Re-evaluation is required regularly to ensure that is still the most effective and that no other tools or processes have been developed that will improve your process and make it safer.

A successful Safety and Health program is essential for any SMB, and it's not just about following the rules. It's about creating a culture of safety where everyone feels comfortable speaking up about hazards and suggesting improvements. And it's about having the right people in place to guide the company in the right direction.

That's where an experienced EHS professional comes in. They have the knowledge and experience to help SMBs develop, implement, and maintain effective Safety and Health programs. They can also help to create a culture of safety and ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to safety.

If you're serious about creating a safe and healthy workplace for your employees, then investing in an experienced Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is the best decision you can make.