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Safety Program Links
There is no job that cannot be performed safely!
Why a SAFETY Program? Because we all need to know what is specifically required of us to perform our job safely, supervisors need the tools and guidance necessary to manage a safe and productive work place, and management must continually protect Lake County’s greatest asset--the workforce.
A safety program consists of a set of written documents that describe Lake County’s safety policies, procedures and responsibilities. The program is designed to bring structure and consistency to the County’s accident prevention efforts; however just because a safety program is written doesn't mean it is always followed. Safety training for all employees will ensure the program’s effectiveness. The safety program will consist of several key elements:
Lake County Safety Policy - This is a simple statement emphasizing the importance of safety and employee well being, which is of high priority and is supported by upper-management.
Responsibilities of Management, Supervisors, and Employees - Safety responsibilities, at every level of the County, must be clearly defined in writing and relayed through training, so everyone has a fair and equal chance to live up to what is expected of them.
Safety Rules - Safe Work Procedures are established for the safety of each individual and all co-workers. These rules, which are additional "conditions of employment,” can prevent accidents during the work day--but employees and employers often tend to forget them unless they are enforced.
Corrective Action Policy - When any individual fails to follow established safety rules, the entire team may be at risk. When rules are ignored by many, the idea of consistent safe work practices "goes down the tube." The progressive Corrective Action policy defines how safety rules will be enforced fairly and consistently.
Specific Written Programs – Safety practices must be controlled through specific written programs and additional employee training such as Office Safety, Ladder Safety, Lock out /Tag out, Hearing Conservation Program, Bloodborne Pathogens Program, Hazardous Materials, etc. Clearly defined and enforced polices and procedures are necessary to prevent exposures, fatalities or serious injuries.
Safety Meetings - Responsibilities and safety procedures are rarely followed by everyone without an occasional reminder. Like the vaccinations we received as children, we all need booster shots for a good "take." Most work areas have a variety of safety topics to discuss, and safety meetings provide this opportunity. Safety meetings should be documented. Remember, though, you don’t need to wait for a safety meeting to correct a potentially hazardous situation.
In order for a safety program to be effective, everyone must understand what is expected of them and safety must be an ongoing and essential part of everyone’s work day. This means that everyone must have an occasional reminder of what accident prevention is all about. Safety is a teamwork effort, and everyone plays an important part!
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