Safety Program Elements

Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI) encourages employers to develop a safety program that promotes safety and claims management within their company. The following safety program elements can help you get started towards making safety a priority for you and your employees.

Safety policy - Prepare a statement, signed by top management, identifying the responsibilities of management and employees for ensuring a safe workplace. Review this policy with all employees on an annual basis.
Accident Investigation and Near-Miss Program- Develop procedures for investigating all accidents and “near misses” (those incidents resulting in neither injury nor property damage).
General safety rules - Establish written minimum safety standards that apply to all employees and post them in areas where employees are sure to see them.
Safe operating procedures - Develop written guidelines for procedures and tasks involving recognized hazards.
Essential job functions - Develop a list of essential job functions for each job category (for employers with 15 or more employees). These lists help you properly place workers in jobs and assign injured workers to transitional duties.
Ergonomics program - Establish an ergonomics program designed to maximize productivity while reducing employee fatigue and discomfort. Educate employees about basic ergonomic principles and proper body mechanics.
Self-inspection programs - Inspect your workplaces regularly to detect unsafe acts and conditions. Keep an ongoing record of your findings.
Safety training program - Establish a written training program through which all employees learn about general safety rules, safe operating procedures, claims management principles, and ergonomic hazards.
Safety coordinator - Assign a coordinator who is responsible for implementing your company’s risk management program.
Substance abuse program - Establish a written substance abuse policy to include supervisory and employee education along with identifying an Employee Assistance Program.