Do You Have a Safety Plan?
11/23/2016 | Dunn Edwards |
Having a comprehensive safety plan in place is vital in today’s business world, especially for contractors. A safety plan outlines the policies and procedures your company utilizes to ensure employee safety, as well as comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. An across-the-board Safety Plan will include these tips provided by the OSHA website:
- A code of safe practices (to be provided to employees) that is customized for the hazards found in your workplace(s)
- A safety policy statement that outlines the goals of the program and identifies the program coordinator
- A start-up checklist to help get the program up and running
- An outline of methods your company will use for employee-safety communications, including a safety committee (in most states, this committee is optional)
- A thorough inspection system, including checklist(s) tailored to your workplace’s specific hazards
- An accident investigation and reporting policy, with instructional material regarding how to conduct accident investigations
- Specific assignments for each person responsible for implementing various elements of the program
- Procedures for complying with OSHA regulations (e.g., hazard communication program, respiratory-protection program, lockout/tagout program, blood-borne pathogens program, hearing-conservation program, heat illness-prevention program, etc.) that apply to your business
- Optional e-mail reminders of periodic activities required by OSHA
Be sure to check State and Local Agencies for additional OSHA requirements
Additional Resources:
U.S. Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
There is no doubt that safety is paramount in the painting contract industry. Keep yourself and your employees protected by putting together a complete, workplace-specific safety plan!
