How to Write Safety Programs: Best Practices from Safety Experts #59

When you have chaos in your safety programs, that's going to translate to chaos on the floors. So how do we make them a playbook that we can actually use, and avoid the dreaded check the box view of programs? Full Episode description below:
This video is intended for educational purposes. solutions offered are not designed to take the place of an attorney, and should not be taken as legal advice. It is recommended that viewers consult a safety consultant or an occupational safety legal team to navigate their specific circumstances. For educational purposes, videos may show the inside of manufacturing facilities, including meat and poultry production facilities, commercial farming, feed milling, and petrochemical facilities. Images shown may depict individual lines and show employees working in their daily jobs, however these visuals may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.
Jen from Allen Safety dives into the critical aspects of safety programs that every company should consider. From writing new safety programs, reviewing existing safety programs, or performing updates, the Allen Safety team has years of experience in safety management across manufacturing and industry to help your team avoid common problems, create a cohesive program, and shines a light on best safety practices into your safety programs.
Key Points Covered:
Identifying Gaps in Safety Programs
Jen emphasizes the importance of assessing safety programs regularly to identify gaps that may compromise safety culture.
Companies often struggle with chaotic, inconsistent safety programs that lack cohesion and clarity.
Customization vs. Standardization
While standardization across company policies is essential for risk reduction, Jen stresses the need for customization based on location-specific needs.
Using examples like respiratory programs in different feed mills, she highlights the importance of tailoring programs to local conditions and requirements.
Qualifications for Training Providers
Clear and defined qualifications are crucial for individuals conducting safety training.
Different levels of training (e.g., authorized vs. awareness level lockout tagout) require specific expertise, which should be clearly outlined to maintain compliance and effectiveness.
Avoiding Generic Programs
Boilerplate safety programs copied from other companies or industries often fail to address specific site needs.
Jen advises against simply filling gaps in generic programs without making them industry-specific or location-specific.
Management and Employee Engagement
Ensuring that safety programs are accessible and understood by all levels of the organization is key.
Managers and supervisors play a crucial role in enforcing safety protocols and should be educated on their importance to foster a safety-conscious culture.
Enforcement and Accountability
Merely having comprehensive safety programs isn’t enough; enforcement and accountability are equally vital.
Jen suggests educating management teams on the federal requirements and engaging them in discussions to bridge any compliance gaps effectively.
Conclusion
Jen wraps up by stressing the importance of clarity, customization, and continuous improvement in safety programs. Whether through on-site program creation or coaching resources available at Allen Safety Coaching, she offers practical solutions tailored to each company's unique needs.
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Outro
For more insights and support in enhancing your company’s safety programs, visit Allen Safety Coaching at allensafetycoaching.com or contact Jen and her team directly. Ensure your workplace remains safe and compliant with expert guidance from Allen Safety. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized assistance tailored to your company’s needs.

[@HallieGodbehere]

Thanks Jen and Joe great topic!

[@allensafetyllc]

What time of year do you review your safety programs? Do you do all of them at once, or spread it out through the year?