The elements and sub-elements of this program come from the language in the 1989 OSHA Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines. For a more detailed discussion of these, see the Guidelines.

The indicators relate to the sub-elements and generally describe how to tell if the sub-element is in place.

In order to score the indicator on the zero (0) to four (4) scale, pick the score descriptor that best describes where your facility falls on that indicator. This will normally be an estimate based on your knowledge of current operations. 

Managers and employees may wish to look over the questions together and develop a joint rating.

If a descriptor says "all," don't try to check with all personnel to verify it. Use sampling techniques. If you talk with 20 people for input and all the 20 say the same thing, make the assumption that everyone will support that position. "Some" normally means "less than half." "Majority" is more than half. "Most" may be 80 or 90%. "All" may actually be 95%. Be flexible and use your judgment.