Management Commitment
The best way to control workers’ comp costs is to prevent injuries in the workplace. Fewer injuries mean less lost time, more productivity and fewer costly claims. Accomplishing this requires a management commitment to the safety and health of employees.
Management commitment supports safety efforts and encourages worker participation in your safety program. A commitment to safety should be expressed in a clear, simple statement of policy to all employees. A written Safety Policy Statement and a comprehensive, written safety program allows businesses of all sizes to make known their safety commitment to workers.
Demonstrating this commitment fosters a safety culture where workers, supervisors and management promote safety and prevent workplace injuries. The written Safety Policy Statement should be posted in a conspicuous location, distributed to all workers and included in employee orientations.
Elements of a Written Safety Policy
A good safety policy states:
- Employee safety is a continuing responsibility of all executive and supervisory personnel.
- Safety will be reinforced by an emphasis on training in safe work practices and hazard elimination.
- Employees must follow all workplace health and safety rules.
- Employees can report unsafe conditions and behavior without fear of reprisal.
Caution: Merely stating such a policy will not make it effective. Management, supervisors and employees must abide by it.