Who is Responsible for Safety

Safety in the workplace is not just one person’s responsibility. Not any one person can or should shoulder the load alone, therefore, everyone is responsible for safety in the workplace. OSHA encourages all businesses to implement a Safety and Health Program to reduce the number and severity of workplace injuries. The owner of the business should demonstrate commitment to a culture of safety. This can be accomplished through communication between management and workers. An effective method to initiate a Safety Program is through a team approach that requires responsibility and accountability at all levels of the organization.

Discussion Points:
• Safety in the Workplace
• Who is Responsible for Safety?
• OSHA Regulations and Guidelines
• Everyone is Responsible for Safety
• Training, Use of PPE and Safety Equipment

Discussion:
OSHA provides a series of standards with expectations for a variety of industries. When it comes to safety in the workplace, the owner or employer has many responsibilities including: implementing a Safety and Health Program and Policy that complies with OSHA regulations, identifying potential hazards by performing risk assessments, understanding the hazard risks, implementing control measures to eliminate hazards, providing training to help employees understand the risks they may face while on the job, providing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and equipment necessary to perform the job, and creating a safe environment for all employees. The employer must also keep records of all injuries that occur in the workplace. Management or supervisors are responsible for implementing the safety practices, training new employees, and monitoring activities of all workers. Workers are responsible for following all rules and regulations, wearing the appropriate PPE, and using the required safety equipment while working. Other responsibilities of the worker are to ensure their own safety and the safety of their co-workers, not putting coworkers or other people in harm’s way, and reporting any injuries suffered as a result of performing their job. Everyone should be aware of potential hazards in the workplace. Each day, take a few minutes to ensure the work area is clean and make sure aisles, hallways, stairways, and doorways are not obstructed. Obstructions cause hazards, and become obstacles that people can trip over or that might keep someone from exiting the building quickly in an emergency situation. Workers should be able to recognize potential hazards, and know how to use safe job procedures. If you are unsure about the safety in your workplace, contact your supervisor.

As always, stay safe out there!