Throughout every industry, and every business that employees workers, the most important asset they have is their workforce. Because of this, safety and health of those employees should be the top priority of every business owner, regardless of the size of the business. Seeing a reduction in the number of workers compensation injuries, accidents, and claims is a relatively immediate way to evaluate the success of a company’s health and safety plan.
In recent years, an old concept has acquired a new name, and with it, increased visibility in a variety of ways, throughout a significant number of companies. In order to be successful, a company must have a safe work record, keep premiums low and have an adequate safety plan. Pre-Job Planning has begun to take hold as the key to success in this area. Not only must a company have a good plan to handle situations that may arise, a pre-job plan enables companies to create an understanding with the entire staff before work begins. Remember, prevention is the best policy.
Pre-Job Planning begins as soon as a project idea is conceived. It is the very first thing that is addressed so that it can accompany all aspects of the project as the project itself is defined. In this way, as new people are added to the project, the philosophy of the importance of safety is handed down from owner, to project manager, to HR personnel, to supervisors, and so on, and thus, is transferred to the contractors and subcontractors.
Communication is vital in the process, and it is imperative that everyone involved takes an active role. A suggestion to assist with this idea is to ensure that all planning, and procedures, are in writing, and very clearly identified and understood.
