Masonry Magazine October 1997 Page. 17
That's your view of safety? Is it a way to reduce workers comp and accident costs or simply a necessary evil to keep OSHA at bay? Regardless of your perception, the goal is the same. Reduce injuries! However, there appears to be a difference in the approach taken to measure success or failure. Premiums are increased when accident costs increase. OSHA issues citations when procedures or standards are not followed. Neither provides a complete picture. Factors other than the cause of an injury involved. Some states even require a safety committee which offers employees equal representation. These committees can provide a forum for reviewing safety concerns and suggestions from employees for actions which can be taken to eliminate hazards. Another source of employee input is a safety suggestion box.
All companies should include employees in hazard recognition. Employees must inspect their work area and equipment and be able to report problems to their supervisor.
By Joseph O'Connor, Executive Vice President, Intec Inc. Currently serves as a national representative for various employer organizations participating in OSHA-ACCOSH work groups and ANSI committees.
Implementing an Effective Safety Program
may impact costs. A direct correlation between OSHA standards and the number of injuries does not always occur.
A comprehensive program must seek a strategy that focuses on the source of injuries and illness while taking advantage of practices found in OSHA standards. In 1989, OSHA published Voluntary Guidelines for a Safety and Health Program. These concepts have been revisited in current proposals submitted to the Advisory Committee for Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH.) ACCSH has offered them as part of its recommendation for a Written Safety and Health Program. These guidelines have been called OSHA's Four Point Plan, a profitable strategy for safety. The basic elements of this strategy are Management Commitment and Employee Involvement, Worksite Analysis, Hazard Control and Training
Point 1
Management Commitment and Employee Involvement
No safety program will succeed unless everyone recognizes a need and accepts the investment which must be made. It begins with management commitment. Policies must express this commitment and be supported by action. A budget is required which provides equipment and time to address safety. Failure to follow safety rules must meet with zero tolerance. And whether it's a front line supervisor or the president of the company, management must model safe behavior.
Employees are the heart of your safety program. They need to be
Point 2
Worksite Analysis
Before implementing a program you must identify hazards to be addressed. Information is available or can be generated to assist you with your evaluation. Documents which offer a history of injuries and illnesses provide a list of problem areas. A hazard analysis of operations and inspection reports can pinpoint hazards before injuries occur. Insurance company "Loss Runs", OSHA 200 Log and Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses and OSHA 101 Supplemental Record of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses provide a record of previous hazards which have resulted in a loss. OSHA documents must be kept up-to-date and should be easily accessible for review. A "Loss Run" which is a summary of the injuries and illnesses as well as the costs associated with each can be obtained from your insurance carrier. Review these documents and determine the cause of injuries or illnesses. Any documentation used during the accident investigation will be helpful. If no further information is available, review your accident investigation procedures and modify them as needed to ensure that future documents include all necessary information.
Not all accidents result in a loss. Near-miss accidents are caused by hazardous actions or conditions. When an incident occurs luck may be the only reason an employee escapes without injury. Use this information to avoid future problems. Investigate, track and review near-miss accidents.
Another method for identifying haz-
A Comprehensive Program Must Seek a Strategy That Focuses on the Source of Injuries and Illness While Taking Advantage of Practices Found in OSHA Standards
MASONRY-SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1997 17