Why Traditional Safety Programs Don't Work - Part II
Issue # 81
December, 1, 2008
I In Part l we reviewed the typical characteristics seen in traditional safety programs and discussed why they are not effective. This lack of effectiveness can be referred to as the GAP, which is the difference between management's desire to control safety and their ability to do so. GAP can also be an acronym for either Giving Away Profit or Gaining Additional Profit, depending on how well safety is managed in the organization.
In Part ll, we will now look at the characteristics of an effective safety program.
Gaining Additional Profits
Today's safety philosophy has undergone a paradigm shift. The principles of Management By Objectives can be adapted to safety in order to overcome some of these traditional failings. Typical characteristics of companies operating under this modern approach include:
- Safety is an integral system and is managed like every other critical business operation.
- Emphasis is on changing behaviors through safety performance activities.
- Goals and objectives for safety are set forth in a Safety Policy signed by the top executive and shared with everyone.
- Everyone's roles and responsibilities for safety have been clearly delineated, including executives, managers, supervisors, and employees.
- Accountability for safety is based on specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-sensitive goals.
- Standards have been established for reporting activities, including well-defined channels and processes for communication.
- Success is measured throughout the year based on a combination of performance activities and results.
"Closing the GAP" is our term for the process that involves designing a system that it is unique to each organization's culture and structure. There are significant advantages for the CEO that chooses "Closing The GAP" for their organization, including;
- The fact that the process is based on the proven techniques utilized in Management By Objectives.
- Studies have shown a 40% to 60% reduction in losses for organizations that have used this approach to safety.
- It not only demonstrates leadership on the CEO's part, but also provides an additional line of defense in the event of an OSHA violation.
- Once installed, it requires less than 30 minutes of the CEO's time to manage each month.
Is it time for your company to Close The GAP and go from Giving Away Profits to Gaining Additional Profits?
Kempkey Insurance Services goes beyond insurance by designing and implementing risk management programs for growth oriented businesses. We help our clients maximize the value of their insurance dollars and minimize their potential for unwanted surprises. Ed Kempkey can be contacted at (888) 536-7539 extension 2188, or at ed@kempkey.com.