Company Programs to Protect From Hazards

Companies with potential workplace hazards implement programs to protect workers, the community, and the environment from such hazards. These programs are typically called Safety, Health, & Environment (SHE, or sometimes EHS or HSE).

In general, workers' responsibilities include following their employer's safety, health and environment rules and regulations, and wearing all required safety gear and equipment.

When addressing hazards, organizations can use one of three methods to reduce, eliminate, or control hazards.

1. Engineering controls use technological or engineering solutions to reduce or remove a hazard from the workplace. Examples include railings, nets, alarms, non-skid materials on walking surfaces, and so on.
2. Administrative controls and work practices use programs, policies, and procedures to reduce or eliminate employee exposure to hazards. Examples include training, documentation, water safety procedures, rescue procedures, and so on.
3. Lastly, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are issued when engineering controls and administrative controls have not completely reduced, removed, or isolated employee exposure to a hazard. It is the last measure of protection.

Types of PPE include hard hats, gloves, ear plugs, safety glasses, footwear, and fall protection. Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are a type of PPE which protects the wearer against the hazards of drowning.

To learn more about Water Safety & Drowning Hazards visit our Water Safety & Drowning Hazards Online Training web page.