At MEM, we care about your employees and your business, and we want to help you create a safe workplace by providing guidance on safety plans and navigating state laws to enhance workplace safety.
The Crucial Role of Safety Plans
A safety plan is a written document outlining procedures and protocols for preventing workplace accidents and injuries. Safety plans typically include safety rules, policies, and guidelines for various workplace scenarios, such as equipment usage, material handling, and emergency procedures.
All safety plans should be:
- Written in plain, direct language.
- Communicated through safety meetings or training sessions.
- Monitored through regular job site observations.
- Enforced through documented corrective action.
Building a Foundation with Safety Rules
Begin your safety planning by developing written safety rules. These guidelines and protocols are crucial to ensuring the well-being and security of your employees. When implemented effectively, these tools can reduce the frequency and severity of injuries.
Essential rules/policies to include in a written safety plan include:
- Drug-free workplace policies
- Seat belt and safe driving policies
- Slip, trip and fall prevention guidelines
- Strain/sprain prevention practices
- Machine safety rules (i.e., lockout/tagout)
Having an effective safety plan in place not only protects your employees but also shields your bottom line from potential financial setbacks.
Leveraging Work Comp Benefit Reductions
Many states have work comp laws that allow reductions on a claim when an injured worker knowingly violated a written, trained, and enforced safety rule. This reduction can reduce a claimant’s benefits by a percentage – typically 25% to 50%. If your state allows reductions, be transparent and use the information as a training tool to communicate the importance of compliance with your employees.
Work comp laws vary by state. To keep yourself informed, you can refer to these state legislature resources.
When you prioritize safety, you demonstrate to your employees how much you care about their well-being and create a positive work environment. This protects your business from financial and legal issues and sets you up for long-term success and sustainability.
To obtain a copy of this information to share with your employees, check out our Comprehensive Guide to Safety Rules, Policies, and Work Comp.