How to Create an Occupational Health and Safety Policy For Your Company

Workplace safety standards are not just about preventing injuries, illnesses, or even fatalities. They are also about avoiding potential financial burdens for your business. An effective workplace safety policy can address potential issues and identify risks before they can cause serious harm.

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Diana Vaculova
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Key Elements of an Effective OHS Policy

An occupational health and safety policy can vary depending on the industry or company. However, most businesses agree it is a necessity. Often, a good workplace safety policy includes:

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Risk Management Policy: The management team should be able to look at risks and figure out the best ways to prevent them. This can only be done with preventative measures and risk safety regulations in place.
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Employee Training and Education: An OHS policy, or a workplace safety policy, will only be effective if your employees are adequately educated and trained. Comprehensive training programs can circumvent the risks associated with failing to report critical incidents.

Hazard Identification and Control: For effective workplace hazard prevention, you must identify and reduce potential hazards. This involves eliminating or isolating any potential hazards before they can harm your employees, modifying equipment or adding protective elements, and ensuring smooth operations. Some strategies to improve your risk management policy can include adequate breaks, job rotations, proper training, and limiting access to dangerous areas.

Implementing the OHS Policy

Safety Compliance and Regulations

Implementing an OHS policy is essential, but so is updating it. One of the most important workplace safety procedures is reviewing safety regulations regularly and keeping up with OHS regulations and standards. Safety compliance may change as we learn about new potential risks at the workplace. Compliance with legal requirements helps prevent workplace accidents and keeps workplace safety standards high.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

Another key to an effective OHS Policy is establishing a reporting system so no incidents are missed. Reporting and investigating worksite incidents can help employers understand shortcomings, identify workplace hazards, and prevent future incidents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in an occupational health and safety policy?

Ensure your OHS includes information, instructions, and training for workers so they can work safely and avoid workplace injuries or illness. The health and safety regulations should help with workplace injury prevention and embrace workplace safety standards.

What are the key benefits of OHS policy?

Workplace safety procedures can benefit your business in many ways. Some key benefits can include:

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Workplace accident prevention
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Keeping your employees healthy and happy
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Avoiding any potential liability due to negligence

Citations

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Department of Labor Logo United Statesdepartment of Labor. Safety Management - A safe workplace is sound business | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). https://www.osha.gov/safety-management
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, January 17). Hierarchy of controls. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/default.html
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Meswani, H. R. (2008, April). Safety and occupational health: Challenges and opportunities in emerging economies. Indian journal of occupational and environmental medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2796774/
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Department of Labor Logo United Statesdepartment of Labor. Incident Investigation - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). https://www.osha.gov/incident-investigation
Diana Vaculova
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Diana Vaculova
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