FLOOR ED
How Effective is Your Safety Program?
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By Stacy Eickhoff Stacy Eickhoff is senior vice president for Risk Strategies Company. She has worked in the insurance industry over 25 years with a focus on property and casualty within the floor covering and construction industries. Ms. Eickhoff
he law requires that employers provide a safe workplace for their employees and now more than ever, it is important to review and update your company’s policy and procedures with regard to safety. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration is the federal organization that oversees workers’ health and safety. Several states have adopted their plans that work in conjunction with the federal standards. These state-specific plans are often more restrictive, therefore we urge you to become familiar with the laws and requirements in the states where you conduct business. Currently, twenty-four states require a safety plan or programs such as an Accident Prevention Plan (AAP) or an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP). Currently, five states mandate a safety plan for all employers no matter the number of employees size. These include California, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, and Washington. Other states have requirements based on a minimum employee count, type of industry, employer experience, and/or for those that self-insure. Whether or not a plan is mandated, it is a good business practice to have a safety plan in place. Establishing a culture of safety takes time, but pays dividends in the long run. Over time an active safety plan can prevent and reduce the severity of injuries which ultimately increases productivity and reduces workers’ compensation costs. Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations requires all employers to have an Injury and Illness Prevention Plan that includes these ten elements.
holds licenses in over 40 states. Risk Strategies Company is the endorsed provider for the World Floor Covering Association.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Responsibility Compliance Communication Hazard Assessment Accident/Exposure Investigation
6. Hazard Correction 7. Training and Instruction 8. Record keeping 9. Training and Instruction 10. Record keeping
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration is the federal organization that oversees workers’ health and safety. Several states have adopted their plans that work in conjunction with the federal standards.
10 Premier Flooring Retailer | Digital 2 2020
