Work Comp. Refresher

Work Comp. Refresher November 2012

DOSH Requirements: Accident Prevention Program Safety Committees Required Training Safety should not be inspected or threatened into the workplace. Rather it should be designed into the workplace. Agenda

Accident Prevention Program WAC 296-800-14005 Develop a formal, written program. It’s the Law! Purpose: Prevention of on-the-job accidents, illnesses and injuries The Accident Prevention Program must be: Tailored to your workplace or operation Address the types of hazards found in your operation

Accident Prevention Program • Contain at least the following statements/elements: • A safety orientation • Description of your total safety and health program • On-the-job orientation showing employees what they need to know to perform their initial job assignments safely

Accident Prevention Program • How and when to report on-the-job injuries including instruction about the location of first-aid facilities in your workplace • How to report unsafe conditions and practices • The use and care of required personal protective equipment

Accident Prevention Program • What to do in an emergency, including how to exit the workplace • The identification of hazardous gases, chemicals, or materials, used on-the-job and instruction about the safe use and emergency action to take after accidental exposure • A safety and health committee • Information about specific positions (JA’s)

Safety Committees • WAC 296-800-130 • The purpose of a safety committee is to bring workers and management together in a nonadversarial, cooperative effort to promote safety and health. The committee is responsible for making recommendation on how to improve safety and health in the workplace.

Safety Committees There is a difference between a safety committee and a safety meeting. • A safety committee is an organizational structure where members represent a group. This gives everyone a voice but keeps the meeting size to an effective number of participants. • A safety meeting includes all employees and a management person is there to ensure that issues are addressed. Typically, the safety committee is an effective safety management tool for a larger employer and safety meetings are more effective for a smaller employer.

Safety Committees • If: You employ 11 or more employees on the same shift at the same location you must establish a safety committee. Safety Committees: • Has employee-elected and employer-selected members. • The number of employee-elected members must equal OR exceed the number of employer-selected members • (employees selected by the employees bargaining representative OR union qualify as employee elected.)

Safety Committees • The term of the employee-elected members must be a maximum of 1 year – not limit to number of terms. • Employee-elected vacancy a new member must be elected prior to the next scheduled meeting. • Elect a chairperson • Determine how often, when, and where committee will meet. • Meeting should be one hour or less UNLESS extended by a majority vote

Safety Committees – Cover these topics: • Review safety and health inspection reports to correct hazards • Evaluate the accident investigation conducted • Keep minutes and post on your safety bulletin board • Focus on employee safety

Training • Required for ALL employees • Some are general trainings for all employees and some are specific to individual positions • ALL MUST BE DOCUMENTED • If its not documented it did not happen • Save a copy of the sign in sheet • List the content of the training • Keep a copy of the material with the sign in sheet

Training

Summary • APP’s should be in each building • All employees should know where to find it • If you are inspected it will be one of the first items they ask for • Make sure it is aligned with your policies and procedures

Summary • SAFETY COMMITTEES: • Do you have one? • Is it functioning – what is their goal? • Is it focusing on “staff” or “students”?

Summary • Training • Is it happening? • Are you utilizing SafeSchools? • Is it intentional and focused? • Do you have “proof” you trained?

Summary • Come up with a plan • Don’t try to accomplish all of this at one time • If it is training that is lacking – • Start with a few • Focus on equipment that is being used for the season *ESD Worker’s Comp Trust are all willing to assist*

Summary QUESTIONS? Safety should not be inspected or threatened into the workplace. Rather it should be designed into the workplace.

Suzanne Reister Managing Director, HR/WC/Unemp North Central ESD 509.667.7100 suzanner@ncesd.org

Work Comp. Refresher