Whose Responsible for Safety ???

Whose responsible for safety? Most workers will name the Safety manager or site safety on a construction project. The correct answer is all of us. A good number of managers and executives will answer the with the safety managers name.

The executive level response should be those in management positions oversee company safety programs and employee safety ensuring there is developed safety programs along with written policies and procedures in place. Additional that our employees have the correct training and tools to perform their work and feel empowered to stop work, report mishaps or recommend improvements to the safety program.

A company safety programs belongs to everyone and is managed at all levels of the organizations. The executives are responsible for ensuring that all workers and visitors are safe and understand the hazards that they will be exposed to. In addition, the executive is responsible for providing a work space that is free of hazards.  Executives, and front line managers must ensure there is an open-door policy that encourages close working relationship with their employees. Having a positive work site safety program is important that employees feel comfortable in informing the supervisor about potential safety hazards and stopping work when needed.

OSHA recommends the following actions for management commitment to the health and safety program:

? State the worksite safety and health policy clearly so all personnel can understand its importance in relation to other organizational values. ? Establish and communicate the goal. Objectives should be clearly defined so all levels of personnel understand the desired results and the required measures to achieve those results. ? Involve employees in decisions that affect their safety and health. If involved, employees will likely commit their insight and energy to achieving the program’s goal and objectives.

? Provide visible top management support. Visibility gives employees the sense that the top-level management cares and is truly committed to the safety of the employees. ? Assign and communicate responsibility to all personnel levels. Everyone should know what performance is expected and the consequences if performance levels are not achieved. ? Give those assigned responsibilities the authority to act on situations that affect the goal and objectives. ? Hold employees accountable to meet their responsibilities so that essential tasks will be performed. ? Review the safety program periodically to evaluate problems within the program and revise the objectives if the goal is not met. Employees express their commitment to safety and health protection for themselves and their fellow workers through their involvement. An employee can enhance the program with a positive attitude toward safety. (OSHA 2019)

in addition to the above Managers and employees need to engage strong communication and listening skills.

Safety is a team effort and teamwork and a harmonious working atmosphere help to maintain good working relationships. Managers who encourage responsibility and allow employees adequate job control create a supportive environment will find that their safety programs are in good shape.

Everyone know they are responsible for company safety  is important for all levels of management to know and understand the safety rules that each employee must follow, to include contractors and consultants who work on-site must follow the same safe and healthy work practices required by all full and part-time employees.

The entire company team must know and follow the same rules when working or walking through with visitors or conducting an inspection. Commitment to workplace safety begins with the visible involvement and practice of the safety program by all those employed.

The next time someone ask "Whose in charge of Safety?" Speak up and say all of us..