Engage Employees in Safety and Health Programs

Effective safety and health programs tap into workers' collective experience, knowledge, and insight in order to find solutions to workplace safety and health challenges. SEAA encourages steel fabricators and erectors to participate in Safe + Sound Week, August 12-18.

Why Is It Important?

Workers often know the most about potential hazards associated with their jobs. When they are involved in finding solutions, they feel invested in the program. To maximize participation, however, workers must feel free of any fear of retaliation or discrimination (e.g., for reporting an injury or hazardous conditions).

• Workers can participate in many ways, including:
• Developing the initial program design.
• Reporting incidents (including near misses) so they can be investigated.
• Analyzing hazards associated with routine and non-routine jobs, tasks, and processes.
  
• Defining and documenting safe work practices.
• Conducting site inspections and incident investigations.
• Training current coworkers and new hires.
• Evaluating program performance and identifying ways to improve it.

Get resources on making safety personal, creating better safety conversations, surveying employees, and more.