Whether you are a small start-up, an established business, or just ready to start managing safety in a responsible way, there are some simple steps you can take to kick off your safety and health program.

OSHA's Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs provide you with a straightforward, stepwise approach to setting up your safety and health program. The approach is based around seven core elements, each of which are implemented by completing several action items.

You do not need to have every detail planned before getting started. Take your time deciding how to best complete each action item in a way that makes sense for your organization. You also do not need to proceed in a strictly sequential manner. Although there is some logic to the order they are presented in the recommended practices, there are some action items that can be completed at any time.

One of the first steps your organization can take is to review the 10 Easy Things to Get Your Program Started. This is a list of very basic items to start your workplace on the path towards responsible safety and health management.

If you need help, consider contacting OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program. Consultants from the program provide free assistance to small businesses that includes establishing and improving safety and health programs.