OSHA is gearing up to create a new program for preventing injury and illness in the workplace. This I2P2 (Injury & Illness Protection Program) is still in the development and discussion stage, but employers should be aware that significant changes are probably on the way. The updated rules are likely to be based on common sense, so it’s possible to begin making improvements now to be in better compliance once the program goes into effect. You can find out what to expect in this informative article from EHSToday.com.
Prevention Tops List of Priorities
Discussions so far are centering on prevention as the gold standard. If someone gets hurt on the job, the first question OSHA asks is “could this have been foreseen and avoided?” Employers are going to have to take a step back from just looking at protocols and protective equipment on a task-by task basis. There will be no one-size fits all solution for developing a safety program under I2P2. Each work environment, and the actual work processes that take place in that environment, will have to be evaluated as a unique “organism”.
Customization Based on Worker Input is Essential
Bringing in an outside consultant may be part of the solution, but employers must also learn to involve their workforce from start to finish in developing, implementing, and continuously improving a safety program. The downside to this approach is that it will be more resource intensive. It may also bring disagreement between management and workers to the surface to finally be dealt with (which can be good or bad depending on how well the situation is handled). The upside is that workers are much more likely to adhere to a program that makes sense from their viewpoint and that respects the value of their input.
No More “Bloody Pocket Syndrome”?
One major change may be in the field of safety incentive programs. Many employers currently use a punishment and reward system that may tend to discourage honest reporting of injuries. If an incident is not reported, the hazard that caused it is unlikely to be identified and fixed, leading to additional injuries. When reporting simply results in the employer taking immediate steps to correct the unsafe working condition instead of penalizing employees, reporting accuracy is expected to improve.
HR’s Role in I2P2
Collaboration in program development, policy revision, and workforce safety training are all areas where HR will play an important role. This will include bringing employees up to speed on how to spot and report hazards before an injury occurs. Our Universal Onboarding and Acculturation Portal applications are flexible enough to support these changes to your safety program as it relates to new hires. Contact us to find out how we can incorporate your new forms and orientation materials into these modules.
