Cohesive Safety
Developing and keeping up with training schedules can be dizzying (to say the least). While having reliable programs and meeting safety standards is important (‘talking the talk’) is important, it’s even more important that your employees ‘walk the walk’. We’ve found that most companies have major disconnects from classroom training to onsite work actions. While company management could invest greatly into safety resources, the disconnect and lack of employee implementation can not only be physically hazardous, but also cause incredible hardships.
When developing a safety culture, management must consider: industry standards, state and federal regulations, employee size and hiring client requirements. Compliance is more than owning a document. Compliance is also more than following a schedule. True safety compliance is adherence and knowledge testing. The follow-through is the most important factor.
To rectify gaps in your employees knowledge, it’s often best to start from square one. Ask the questions, do I have safety culture that’s best suited for my company? Does your company have a current and comprehensive safety manual with relative safety programs? Do you have an active employee training matrix? Are you developing and retaining JSA’s? Etc.
Safety Plan Considerations
When developing a safety plan for a company, consider the company’s size, structure, and industry-specific risks. Ensure compliance with relevant safety regulations and involve employees in the planning process. Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify hazards and implement appropriate control measures. Include plans for emergency preparedness, training, and clear communication channels for reporting safety concerns. Define safety responsibilities for all levels of the organization and consider forming safety committees or appointing representatives. Schedule regular safety audits and reviews to continuously improve the safety plan and foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Employee Training Frequency
Employees should receive initial training when they join the organization or take on a new role. Regular refresher training is important for topics like safety procedures or compliance. Training should be provided when there are significant changes to job processes or company policies. Certifications should be updated as required by industry standards. Performance issues may warrant targeted training. Mandatory training, as legally required, should be provided at specified intervals. Employees may also request on-demand training for specific needs. A well-structured training program ensures employees have the knowledge and skills to perform their duties safely and effectively. Regular assessments help identify training needs.
Onsite Safety
Onsite safety refers to the measures and practices put in place to ensure the well-being and protection of people, property, and the environment within a specific location or workplace. This location is typically a construction site, industrial facility, laboratory, office, or any other setting where potential hazards and risks exist.
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Onsite Safety Goal
The primary goal of onsite safety is to prevent accidents, injuries, and health hazards by identifying potential dangers and implementing proactive safety measures. Some common aspects of onsite safety include:
- Hazard identification and assessment: Identifying potential risks and hazards present at the site, such as dangerous machinery, chemical substances, uneven surfaces, electrical equipment, etc.
- Safety training and education: Ensuring that all workers and visitors are adequately trained in safety protocols and understand the potential risks associated with their tasks.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Requiring the use of appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, ear protection, and respiratory masks, to safeguard against specific workplace hazards.
- Safe work practices: Implementing guidelines and procedures that promote safe and responsible behavior while performing tasks on the site.
- Emergency preparedness: Establishing protocols for handling emergencies, such as fire, chemical spills, or medical incidents, and conducting regular drills to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively.
- Equipment safety: Regularly inspecting and maintaining machinery and equipment to prevent malfunctions and accidents.
- Housekeeping: Keeping the worksite clean and organized to reduce the risk of trips, slips, and falls.
- Signage and communication: Clearly displaying warning signs and safety instructions throughout the site to alert workers and visitors to potential hazards.
- Supervision and monitoring: Regularly monitoring the site and its activities to ensure compliance with safety guidelines and to intervene if unsafe practices are observed.
- Incident reporting and investigation: Establishing procedures for reporting accidents, incidents, or near-misses, followed by thorough investigations to identify the root causes and prevent future occurrences.
Onsite safety is essential not only to protect the well-being of workers and visitors but also to maintain productivity and reduce the potential for costly accidents and legal liabilities. As such, adherence to safety protocols is a shared responsibility among all individuals present at the site.
Implementing Safety Audits
Internal Safety Audits are vital to the ongoing efforts of a cohesive safety culture in any business. Developing a plan to perform these audits on a consistent basis is so vital that most hiring clients require that you formally agree to perform them during contract negotiations.
Internal Safety Audits
An internal safety audit is a comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s safety management systems, practices, and procedures. It is conducted by an internal team to assess the effectiveness of the safety program, identify areas for improvement, and ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
During the audit, auditors objectively review safety processes and practices, verify compliance with regulations and policies, assess potential hazards, and evaluate the effectiveness of risk control measures. They also review safety documentation and incident reports, conduct interviews with employees, and observe workplace practices.
Audit Corrective Actions
Based on the audit findings, recommendations for corrective actions are provided to address any identified deficiencies. The internal safety audit process fosters a culture of continuous improvement in safety practices. Another key point, it contributes to maintaining a safe working environment while reducing the risk of incidents. It demonstrates the organization’s commitment to the well-being of its employees and overall safety performance.
Frequency of Safety Audits
The frequency of safety audits on employees can vary based on several factors, including the nature of the workplace, the level of risk involved in the job tasks, regulatory requirements, and the organization’s safety policies. There are some general guidelines for determining how often safety audits should be performed on employees.
Safety Audit Guidelines:
Regular Intervals: Conducting safety audits at regular intervals is a good practice to ensure ongoing compliance with safety protocols. The frequency of these audits can range from quarterly to annually, depending on the size and complexity of the organization and the potential hazards present.
New Employee Orientation: A company must conduct a safety audit as part of the onboarding process for new employees to ensure they are aware of safety procedures and understand the potential risks associated with their roles.
After Significant Changes: Safety audits should be performed whenever there are significant changes in job processes, workplace layouts, equipment, or materials that may introduce new hazards or alter existing risks.
After Incidents or Near-Misses: It’s often necessary to complete a safety audit following accidents, incidents, or near-miss events to identify root causes and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Scheduled Inspections: Some organizations schedule regular safety inspections or walkthroughs to monitor employee compliance with safety practices and identify potential hazards in real-time.
Random Spot Checks: Conducting random spot checks or surprise audits can help maintain awareness and compliance among employees. After all, employees won’t know exactly when the audit will occur.
Based on Risk Priority: High-risk job roles or departments may require more frequent safety audits compared to lower-risk areas.
Compliance with Regulations: All safety audits should align with any legal or regulatory requirements that mandate specific audit frequencies.
It’s essential to have a well-documented safety audit schedule and to communicate the audit plan to employees. Safety audits should be conducted by qualified personnel or external experts, and their findings should be used to improve safety measures, provide additional training as needed, and ensure a safer working environment. Regular safety audits play a crucial role in preventing workplace incidents, promoting a safety-conscious culture, and ensuring the well-being of employees.
Safety Consulting
At each step of the way, Cascade QMS can help to maximize your safety initiatives. Through one-on-one consultations our team identifies areas for improvement. Safety Audits, Safety Manuals, Compliance Assistance, PQFs, Safety Programs, ISO coordination and Quality Policies are only a few of our specialties. Our Consultants have “boots on the ground” experience. Chat with your new consultant today!
