Safety & Health Program

OSHA requires that all employers implement a written safety and health program. This program plays an important role in effectively implementing the OSHA safety standards outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations.

It goes without saying that employers and employees should prioritize health and safety in the workplace. This includes carefully researched and implemented plans for the work environment and detailed instructions and responsibilities for each person involved in carrying out this plan.

Each workplace will be different and will pose its own challenges, requiring its own specific safety and health plan. A safety and health plan is never a "one size fits all" design. OSHA's recommended components of a safety and health program may work well for your organization as a stand-alone policy, or they may need to address more site-specific safety and prevention measures. OSHA provides suggestions for the contents of a safety and health program, rather than specific requirements.

What exactly is a safety and health program, and what does it entail? As mentioned before, such a program must meet the specific needs of each organization, so the program varies from employer to employer. However, OSHA recommends that all programs have the following seven core elements:

1. Management leadership
2. Worker participation
3. Hazard identification and assessment
4. Hazard prevention and control
5. Education and training
6. Program evaluation and improvement
7. Communication and coordination with third parties

To learn more about Focus Four Safety visit our Construction Focus Four Safety Online Training web page.