Safety and Health Programs

An effective safety and health program depends on the credibility of management's involvement in the program, inclusion of employees in safety and health decisions, rigorous worksite analysis to identify hazards and potential hazards, including those which could result from a change in worksite conditions or practices, stringent prevention and control measures, and thorough training. It addresses hazards whether or not they are regulated by government standards. The following resources provide information that may help employers develop and implement a safety and health program.

• Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs. OSHA Publication 3885, (October 2016). OSHA updated the Guidelines for Safety and Health Programs it first released 30 years ago, to reflect changes in the economy, workplaces, and evolving safety and health issues. The Recommended Practices are designed to be used in a wide variety of small and medium-sized business settings and present a step-by-step approach to implementing a safety and health program, built around seven core elements that make up a successful program.
• Ritrama Invests in Safety and Improves Its Bottom Line. OSHA and Ritrama Case Study, (May 2007). Through the OSHA and GAC Alliance, the agency worked with Ritrama, a multi-national corporation, to highlight a safety and health program that the company designed and implemented to educate the managers, supervisors and employees about safe work practices and company-specific procedures at its manufacturing plant in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a result of the program, Ritrama reduced its workers' compensation premiums, increased productivity and product quality, and improved its employee recruitment and retention.
• Job Hazard Analysis. OSHA Publication 3071, (Revised 2002). Explains what a job hazard analysis is and offers guidelines to help employers conduct their own step-by-step analysis.
• $afety Pays Program. OSHA. Assists employers in estimating the costs of occupational injuries and illnesses and the impact on a company's profitability.
• Safety and Health Management Program Guidelines; Issuance of Voluntary Guidelines. OSHA Federal Register Notice 54:3904-3916, (January 26, 1989). Provides safety and health program management guidelines for use by employers to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.
• Business Case for Safety and Health. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Provides information on how an effective safety and health program can improve an organization's productivity and profitability.