An effective loss prevention program includes the 10 elements described below. Your organization may choose to establish all elements concurrently, or take a step-by-step approach to building the complete program. Either way, the results will benefit your business and your employees.
Make a written commitment that safety and safe work procedures have a high priority, and that supervisors and employees are to be responsible and accountable for safe work practices and procedures. Sign and distribute your commitment to all employees and post a copy in the workplace.
Assign supervisors the responsibility and authority to develop safe work procedures, recognize and correct physical hazards, train employees, and enforce safety rules. Hold supervisors accountable for active involvement in the safety activities listed below.
Conduct self-inspections on a regular basis to identify, eliminate, or control physical hazards and unsafe work procedures. Follow up to ensure corrective measures are taken.
Ensure employees know how to report all incidents promptly so supervisors can conduct thorough and objective investigations to determine causes, recommend or make corrections, and capture accurate information. Keep records for follow-up and reference.
Supervisors may need training in how to determine safe work practices, performing step-by-step job safety analysis, and detecting hazardous exposures. Employees need to be trained to perform routine tasks safely as well as how to operate specialized or sophisticated equipment.
Hold safety meetings that involve supervisors and employees in safety planning, enhance safety consciousness, and act as a forum for suggestions and discussions to improve safety and operational procedures. If general staff meetings are held regularly, include safety as a standing agenda item.
Select a Designated Medical Provider, develop a plan to monitor claim activity, communicate with injured employees and the Claims Examiner, and identify appropriate modified duty assignments whenever possible.
Use the safety activities outlined in your safety program to make Safety a specific performance area addressed in your written and verbal employee evaluations. Focus on participation in and compliance with your safety program, rather than simply on whether or not an accident occurred.
Accurate, up-to-date records provide a ready reference for needed or requested information. Records also help you meet statutory reporting requirements and measure progress in loss prevention, training, and production goals.
Review your safety activities and outcomes regularly to assess effectiveness. Celebrate successes, acknowledge opportunities for improvement, encourage involvement, and determine future steps. Communicate results to all staffing levels.