Build a simple workplace safety program

Why safety pays

Every claim you prevent saves medical bills, lost work, and future premium through your experience mod. A safety program does not have to be long or expensive. It needs to be written down, used every day, and supported by the owner.

Start with what hurts people

Look at your injury records and talk with workers. Common causes of claims at small businesses include:

• Lifting, pushing, and pulling strains.
• Slips, trips, and falls, including falls from ladders and roofs.
• Being struck by or caught in tools, machines, and vehicles.
• Cuts and burns in kitchens and shops.
• Vehicle crashes during work driving.

Core parts of a program

A basic written plan should cover:

• Who is in charge of safety, and how workers can raise concerns.
• Regular checks of the workplace and equipment.
• Training for new hires and for any new task or tool.
• Protective equipment and when to use it.
• How to report injuries and near misses, with no blame for reporting.
• How you will look into incidents and fix the cause.

Free help is available

OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program gives small and medium businesses free, confidential safety advice. It is separate from OSHA enforcement. Consultants from state agencies or universities help you find and fix hazards, and you agree to correct serious hazards they find. Many workers' comp insurers also offer free loss control visits and training materials.

Ask about credits

Some states give premium credits for certified safety programs or drug-free workplace programs. Ohio offers grants that match employer money for safety equipment. Ask your agent which programs apply in your state.