 |
 |
 |
|
 |
All together now
By Sean Ryan
The only effective safety program is one workers abide by and management supports, experts said.
"You don't just lecture, you go out and show them how to do it," said Brian Oberle, safety director for J.P. Cullen & Sons Inc. in Janesville.
A program should require staff meetings, training procedures, disciplinary and incentive programs, site-specific safety policies for bigger projects and safeguards against hazards on every work site.
"A good safety program will make you money, a bad one will cost you," Oberle said. "We spend an incredible amount of money on training, everything from weekly toolbox talks to monthly management safety meetings."
In addition to preventing common hazards, Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee Safety Director Dan Burazin said every program should focus on safety education.
"Train, train, train. Show your people by training them what is safe," Burazin said. "Most of it is common sense, but you have to show them how it's supposed to be even if it seems really simple."
Training can be done through local construction organizations, OSHA outreach, private consultants or by the company itself.
"I like to think that some day I'll train myself out of a job," Oberle said.
The carrot and stick approach
Burazin said training can help prevent the 80 percent or 90 percent of accidents caused by human error, but a solid disciplinary program is needed.
"They know better but they do it anyway," he said. "So you must have a proper disciplinary program. You have got to go further than just yelling at them."
Burazin said a three-strike system is effective, with a verbal warning for the first violation, a written warning and one day suspension for the second and finally termination if the violations continue.
He said a firm disciplinary system is necessary, but contractors must be careful not to frustrate employees into quitting as a result of an overbearing enforcement program. Incentives rewarding successful safety practices help keep workers on board.
"When you have a stick you must have a carrot," Burazin said.
Oberle said a good incentive program could include rewards for exceptional safety achievements. He said an incentive plan should include a formal written program based on hours worked without injury and an informal program based on goals and milestones.
"If you keep it fresh and new and different the workers don't get spoiled and they appreciate it," Oberle said.
Occupational safety consultants or local builder organizations can help contractors draft successful safety programs, Burazin said. The department of Commerce also has a free OSHA consultation program offering work site tours on request and aid in writing solid safety programs to deal with specific needs.
"The ultimate goal is not only to save money on insurance, but it's a moral issue," Burazin said.
| Editor's Note | Story Index | Sites of Interest | Books | Main |
| Special Sections Main | Daily Reporter Main |
Questions or help? Drop us a line
© 2000, Daily Reporter Publishing Company, All Rights Reserved.
