OSHA Safety Incentive Program
- OSHA's guidelines for safety incentive programs are designed to go well beyond the scope of existing OSHA regulations. A safety incentive program should exist with the goal of reducing and eventually eliminating workplace injuries and hazards, and should be attentive to the smallest concern that may be overlooked by existing safety standards. These guidelines will help companies develop a comprehensive system of hazard identification, monitoring, and evaluation across all areas of the organization, not only those under strict regulatory scrutiny.
- Commitment by top management and leaders in the organization is critical to the success of the incentive program. As a new program that will likely interfere with established work routines, it is vital to have program champions who will communicate the need and desirability of the program to peers and subordinates. The key to effective implementation of company-wide initiatives is the understanding, acceptance, and commitment of the entire staff.
- In general, incentive programs in line with OSHA's guidelines should provide a systematic schedule of identification and evaluation of existing hazards, as well as the proactive identification of potential hazards when designing new processes and workspaces.
The effectiveness of the program's implementation takes precedence over the thoroughness or formality of any written plan. The most simple plan, when properly communicated and rigorously put into practice, will be much more desirable than a lengthy written policy that is not properly implemented at all organizational levels. - Several components are necessary in any safety incentive program following OSHA's guidelines. The first component is the identification of hazards, followed by the actual prevention of identified hazards through policy and process reevaluation, as discussed above. The third component--ongoing safety training--serves to educate the workforce on the importance of hazard prevention. The next vital component is a clearly articulated written plan, followed by visible top management involvement and effective communication across all levels of the organization. Institute clear lines of authority and formally delegate responsibilities and accountability to complement management involvement.
- According to osha.gov, employers have mixed feelings about OSHA's voluntary safety incentive program guidelines. While most employers surveyed by OSHA believe that a safety incentive program is essential to securing a greater degree of workplace safety, some claim that the guidelines would be more effective if they were mandatory. Others claim that a system of tax incentives for employers following these guidelines would be more effective in securing active participation.
