Why a Safety Policy?
Issue # 87
February 2, 2009
A safety policy is management's expression of direction to be followed. It is management's first step in organizing to accomplish its desires. It is important that management's safety policy be in writing to ensure that there will be no confusion concerning direction and assignment of responsibility.
A safety policy, more than most other policies that come from management, requires some action from each individual in the organization, from the president to the lowest-rated worker. Safe performance of an organization requires that a decision be made by each person in it. The most important factor that each will consider in making the decision for or against safety is "What does the big boss want from me?"
To be effective, the policy must be signed by management. No one policy is right or wrong; however, as a minimum, the following areas ought to be touched on in a safety policy:
- Management's intent. What does management want?
- The scope of activities covered. Does the policy pertain only to on-the-job safety? Does it cover off-the-job safety also? Fleet safety? Public safety? Property damage? Fire? Product safety?
- Responsibilities. Who is to be responsible for what?
- Accountability. Where and how is it fixed?
- Safety staff assistance. If there is a safety staff, how does it fit into the organization? What should it do?
- Safety committees. Will there be committees? What will they do? Why do they exist?
- Authority. Who has it, and how much?
- Standards. What rules will the company abide by?
Remember, it is important that the top executive issue and sign the safety policy, as safety affects all departments in the organization.