Four Levels of Protection From Hazards

US employers spend over $50 Billion on pay & med care for injured workers. By making safety a priority - it can also lead to higher profits.  According to OSHA and ASSE, each $1 invested in safety returns $4 to $6 by lowering costs and improving conditions.  Risk Assessment, followed by proper Management affects many elements of business.

To identify the Return of Investment (ROI) on Safety, we consider each activity of a safety program individually.  The safety industry generally considers three levels of activity: Engineering, Work Process Design, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – SafetyRich adds a fourth: the Worker.

Beginning with Engineering, the earlier we assess and manage risk, the greater the return. The concept is easy to understand because the earlier we address potential hazards, the less we have spent on the project and the easier it is to eliminate danger.  When we pass the Work Process Design and issue PPE, it appears as if we have done as much as possible to protect the worker.  But consider one last step we can take toward safety.

Regulations require training to make the worker aware of hazards.  The critical part of this training is to make sure the worker does not blindly wade into a dangerous situation.  The worker must be able to recognize hazards and hazardous situations, then prevent and report them.  No worker should have to trade their life or health for a paycheck.  The worker’s knowledge and empowerment should prevent injuries – the final line of defense.

Visit our Web site: SafetyRich