In our last post, we discussed the importance of the staff’s compliance with a safety program, hazard assessment and correction, and investigations. We can now look at the final three elements of an effective IIPP:
Hazard Correction
Include methods/procedures for correcting unsafe or unhealthy conditions in a timely manner.
Training
Training is important to not only educate, but to reinforce the requirements listed above (1-6). Training should be done at minimum- when new guidelines are established, to all new hires, and for all supervisors. Additionally, training must be done when new hazards are introduced into the workplace and when employees are assigned new job duties that will expose them to new hazards.
Record Keeping
Record keeping is one of the most important elements of your IIPP. It shows Cal OSHA that you not only have written documentation of your safety program, but that your program is being implemented. Records should be maintained for at least a year. They should include records of scheduled and periodic self inspections as well as safety training. Inspection records should include the name of the person that conducted the inspection, the unsafe conditions or practices identified and the corrective action taken. Safety training records should include the employee name or other identifier, training dates, type(s) of training and the name of the training provider. In addition, while recordkeeping is very important, requirements are less stringent for employers with less than 10 employees.
Conclusions
The IIPP is not only a way to save money, but it also reinforces the importance of workplace safety. A positive attitude towards safety from upper management will go far in promoting safe work habits to all levels of the organization. While all eight requirements are listed, each requirement is extensive. If you have additional questions about the eight requirements, please contact CPEhr’s Risk Management Representative to assist you with creating an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program for your company.
The absence of an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) ranks among the most frequent Cal/OSHA (California Occupational Safety and Health Administration) citations against businesses. Fines for the failure to have an IIPP are upwards to $7,000. Many California employers are not aware that it is mandated by law to have a written IIPP. The law (Senate Bill 198) enacted in 1989, and effective on July 1, 1991, requires California employers to develop and implement an IIPP.
A bi-product of today’s computer usage (which includes its limitless capabilities of the keyboard) has resulted in an increase of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), caused by repetitive movements, like typing on a keyboard. With the average lifetime cost of CTS, including medical bills and lost time from work, estimated to be about $30,000 for each injured worker, employers must make an effort to recognize the causes, and solutions, of CTS.
We left off last post with an important question to which every business owner should know the answer -
In tough times, when businesses are hunkering down and trimming the fat, one of the most common questions regarding insurance is, “Should I really invest in safety?” After all, things seem to be going just fine. Sure, you’ve had your share of injuries, but who cares? After all, isn’t that what workers’ compensation insurance is there for?
