Safety and Health Plan Component - Organizational Structure

A safety and health plan must be organized well to ensure everyone knows his or her role in the program. This structure should do the following:

• Identify a leader
• Identify other personnel needed for the project and assign their roles and responsibilities
• Show lines of authority, responsibility, and communication
• Identify and interface with the response community (such as the fire department or emergency responders)

All safety and health programs should include a Site Safety and Health Officer (also referred to Site Safety Officer) who implements safety and health requirements.

Management of hazardous waste sites must not only prioritize the safety of workers, but also the health of the general public and the environment. For this reason, OSHA requires communication with the surrounding community and its leaders as part of the safety and health program.

Remember: As the development of a safety and health program progresses, an employer may need to modify some organizational aspects of the project (for example, personnel responsibilities and authorities) to ensure efficiency and safety.

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