Safety & Accident Prevention, Essay Example

According to OSHA, training programs are necessary because they reduce the extent and severity of workplace related injuries, improve employee morale and productivity, and reduce worker compensation costs (OSHA, n.d.). The elements of an effective employee training program include provisions for systematic identification, evaluation, and prevention of hazards, and a written program that reinforces these concepts. Overall, this type of program includes the need for management commitment, employee involvement, worksite analysis, hazard prevention and control, and safety and health training. I believe that the best training method is an in-person class where employees and their managers are required to sit together and view a presentation that discusses safety principles. To reinforce this information, they should be required to have a discussion about the material after and take a test both individually and as a group to confirm their understanding of the principles presented to them. This system would be evaluated for effectiveness by comparing the performance on the exams to the incidence of accidents in the workplace.

To Ricky Godbalt:

I agree that uncooperative people can be difficult during an investigation. While no one wants to be reported as the “snitch”, it is fortunate that OSHA divisions in many institutions allow for anonymous reporting. I do believe that it is unfortunate however, that many people feel that they cannot come forward with safety complaints. I suppose this could be a greater problem in institutions with small numbers of staff. If someone reports an incident, it could be obvious who the “snitch” is. However, it is important to persuade these people that safety comes first and that they are legally protected if they report the incident.

References

OSHA. (n.d.). OSHA Training. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/safety_health_program/slide2.html

Goetsch, D. L. (2011). Occupational Safety and Health for Technoligist, Engineers, and Managers. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.