Accidents can happen anywhere, but most workplace injuries and illnesses are preventable. A safe job site protects your team, keeps your business running smoothly, and shows that you care. Use these seven tips to build a safety and health program to protect your business and people.
1 Lead by example.
Strong safety programs start with strong leadership. Make safety a core value. Provide the tools, time, and training your team needs. Show your commitment every day. When workers see that safety matters to management, they’re more likely to take it seriously too.
2 Involve all workers.
Your employees know their jobs best. Invite them to help spot hazards, suggest improvements, and review safety rules. Encourage them to take part in safety meetings, inspections, and training. When workers are involved, they feel ownership and help keep everyone safe.
3 Spot hazards early.
Walk through your work areas often. Look for unsafe conditions—faulty equipment, cluttered walkways, chemicals, or risky behaviors. Talk with employees about what they see. Review past incidents to find patterns. The earlier you find a hazard, the faster you can fix it.
4 Take action on hazards.
Don’t wait. Fix hazards as soon as you find them. That could mean repairing equipment, improving ventilation, providing personal protective equipment, or changing a work process. Make it easy for workers to report problems and respond quickly.
5 Train all workers.
Make sure every employee, supervisor, and manager knows how to work safely. Cover the specific hazards in your workplace and what to do in an emergency. Update training when jobs or equipment change and make safety a regular part of onboarding and ongoing learning.
6 Keep improving.
Check your program often. Look at injury reports, inspection results, and worker feedback. Use what you learn to improve your policies and procedures. A good safety and health program should grow stronger over time.
7 Communicate clearly.
If you work with contractors, staffing agencies, or have multiple employers at your site, ensure everyone understands your safety rules. Share important information and keep communication open. When everyone’s on the same page, you can avoid confusion and prevent accidents.
A strong safety and health program is not just about following rules. It’s about creating a culture where everyone looks out for each other. Start with these steps, and OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs.
For more help building a safer, healthier workplace, contact a DWC OSHA-authorized trainer or onsite Occupational Safety and Health Consultant at HealthSafety@tdi.texas.gov or 800-252-7031, option 2.