The day in the life of supervisors is anything but predictable. One minute they can be handling operational tasks, such as scheduling and ordering supplies, and the next they can be troubleshooting quality control or logistical issues. There’s one constant responsibility regardless of the task at hand: safety.
Leading by Example
Under an effective safety program, managers and supervisors are considered a key component in maintaining an effective safety culture. This includes putting safety above all else by taking a proactive position toward the company’s safety policies and procedures. It also means ensuring employees have a clear understanding of the organization’s safety program and what their role is.
By the Book
It’s important that supervisors and employees alike understand the safety regulations in their locality.
Federal OSHA: Section 17 (e) states: “Any employer who willfully violates any standard, rule, or order promulgated pursuant to Section 6 of this Act, or of any regulations proscribed pursuant to this Act, and that violation caused death to any employee, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both.”
In California, AB 1127 legislation means that California employers are subject to much greater civil penalties and even larger criminal penalties for violations of Cal/OSHA regulations. Per AB 1127, managers and supervisors also can be held liable for civil and criminal penalties for safety and health law. In fact, supervisors and foremen who are found to have willfully violated a Cal-OSHA regulation that resulted in serious injury or death may be subject to fines and even time in prison.
This underscores how important it is that organizations create safety programs that are aligned with local regulations, both for the safety of employees and the health of the company.
Key Elements of Effective Safety Programs
A robust safety program includes the following components:
By putting safety first, supervisors can create a culture of safety within their organizations, reducing the risk of injury and loss while gaining the support and respect of their employees.
CopperPoint Insurance Companies is a western-based super regional commercial insurance company and a leading provider of workers’ compensation and commercial insurance solutions. With an expanded line of insurance products and a growing 10 state footprint in the western United States, CopperPoint is in a strong position to meet the evolving needs of our brokers, agents and customers.
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