A
well-defined set of safety procedures and a commitment by management to
enforce them can save uninsured costs resulting from workplace accidents.
For
example, if a worker falls down a flight of stairs at the workplace, the
company insurance policy will cover his or her worker compensation and
medical bills. The direct costs may total $10,000. Additional, uninsured
accident costs include supervisor time spent to take the worker to the
hospital and to hire and train a new employee; employee overtime to make
up for lost production; and administrative time used to report the
accident.
Uninsured
costs could approach $100,000-funds that come out of company profits.
These are the costs that are the most devastating. They make safety
programs absolutely essential for every company.
Recent
claims studies developed by CNA show that when accident prevention
programs are implemented at the workplace, both the number of accidents
and their dollar costs are significantly cut--sometimes by as much as 75
percent.
The
success of a safety program, like any business plan, hinges on management
and employees at all levels taking responsibility for carrying out the
program. Administering the program should follow traditional methods of
operation: plan, lead, organize, and control.
Once
a commitment is made to a safety program, the first step is to understand
the causes of accidents. These causes can be broken down into three broad
problem categories: management, work environment, and employees.
Management
Problems
Accidents
can be caused unintentionally by management when certain practices are not
implemented. These can include the following:
Lack
of goals and objectives. Safety program goals and objectives must be
understood by all people involved--management and employees. A formal,
written safety program with policy guidelines should be developed and
monitored. It is management's responsibility to distribute the message
companywide. Communication is essential.
Lack
of safe operating procedures. Management must develop operating
procedures with an eye to safety and must relay them throughout the
company.
Lack
of performance standards. Employees should be aware that their
performance of safety procedures will be judged like any other task.
Lack
of management control. Management should be aware of the progress of
the safety program and of problems that occur.
Work
Environment Problems
Care
must be taken to ensure the workplace environment does not promote
accidents. The following should be examined:
Hazardous
or poor-quality equipment. All equipment should be in proper working
order. Maintaining, repairing, or replacing worn-out equipment or
machinery is essential.
Hazardous
conditions. Use good housekeeping practices for all work surfaces and
areas. Remove all debris and clutter.
Poor
job layout. Design work environments for maximum safety and
efficiency.
Employee
Problems
Although
accidents caused by employee problems may seem difficult to control,
companies can prevent accidents resulting from the following:
Lack
of skill or knowledge. Employees should have a strong knowledge of the
tasks to which they are assigned and should be properly trained.
Lack
of motivation. Many accidents occur due to inattention or fatigue.
Managers should be framed to notice these symptoms of lack of motivation
and to take appropriate action.
Improper
attire. In many cases, loose clothing can catch in machinery. Require
that all employees wear properly fitted clothing and that shirts be tucked
in.
Poor
safety attitude. Attitudes of employees can change when the company
maintains a safe environment and insists employees follow safety
procedures.
Horseplay.
Managers should strictly prevent employees from horseplay in the work
environment.
A
well-defined set of safety procedures and a commitment by management to
enforce them can save uninsured costs resulting from workplace accidents.
For
example, if a worker falls down a flight of stairs at the workplace, the
company insurance policy will cover his or her worker compensation and
medical bills. The direct costs may total $10,000. Additional, uninsured
accident costs include supervisor time spent to take the worker to the
hospital and to hire and train a new employee; employee overtime to make
up for lost production; and administrative time used to report the
accident.
Uninsured
costs could approach $100,000-funds that come out of company profits.
These are the costs that are the most devastating. They make safety
programs absolutely essential for every company.
Recent
claims studies developed by CNA show that when accident prevention
programs are implemented at the workplace, both the number of accidents
and their dollar costs are significantly cut--sometimes by as much as 75
percent.
The
success of a safety program, like any business plan, hinges on management
and employees at all levels taking responsibility for carrying out the
program. Administering the program should follow traditional methods of
operation: plan, lead, organize, and control.
Once
a commitment is made to a safety program, the first step is to understand
the causes of accidents. These causes can be broken down into three broad
problem categories: management, work environment, and employees.
Management
Problems
Accidents
can be caused unintentionally by management when certain practices are not
implemented. These can include the following:
Lack
of goals and objectives. Safety program goals and objectives must be
understood by all people involved--management and employees. A formal,
written safety program with policy guidelines should be developed and
monitored. It is management's responsibility to distribute the message
companywide. Communication is essential.
Lack
of safe operating procedures. Management must develop operating
procedures with an eye to safety and must relay them throughout the
company.
Lack
of performance standards. Employees should be aware that their
performance of safety procedures will be judged like any other task.
Lack
of management control. Management should be aware of the progress of
the safety program and of problems that occur.
Work
Environment Problems
Care
must be taken to ensure the workplace environment does not promote
accidents. The following should be examined:
Hazardous
or poor-quality equipment. All equipment should be in proper working
order. Maintaining, repairing, or replacing worn-out equipment or
machinery is essential.
Hazardous
conditions. Use good housekeeping practices for all work surfaces and
areas. Remove all debris and clutter.
Poor
job layout. Design work environments for maximum safety and
efficiency.
Employee
Problems
Although
accidents caused by employee problems may seem difficult to control,
companies can prevent accidents resulting from the following:
Lack
of skill or knowledge. Employees should have a strong knowledge of the
tasks to which they are assigned and should be properly trained.
Lack
of motivation. Many accidents occur due to inattention or fatigue.
Managers should be framed to notice these symptoms of lack of motivation
and to take appropriate action.
Improper
attire. In many cases, loose clothing can catch in machinery. Require
that all employees wear properly fitted clothing and that shirts be tucked
in.
Poor
safety attitude. Attitudes of employees can change when the company
maintains a safe environment and insists employees follow safety
procedures.
Horseplay.
Managers should strictly prevent employees from horseplay in the work
environment.