Set clear expectations and guidelines in your workplace safety policy.  Transmit an easy to understand message to all of your new hires, and all of your existing employees at hire, at an annual safety focused meeting or in a message.  If it is truly important in a company you will be able to find it signed by the senior management person, posted in a place that people are able to find it easily.

It should be written to the employees so that it reads easily, and should contain the workplace safety expectations for all types of employees from owners, management, supervisors, salaried and hourly employees.

This identifies the priorities for the workplace safety program and where it is in relation to production.   A good operation has workplace safety integrated fully into production.  This allows production to reach its potential with fewer distractions, and less likelihood of an injury related slowdown.  Most serious injuries end up taking at least 4-8 man-hours of company time to respond to them.  That is just to stop the bleeding, stabilize, transport to a doctor and return.  It does not include the accident investigation, and staff time that the management should focus on the incident to determine the root cause.

Things to consider for your workplace safety policy:

• What is managements role in workplace safety?  What demonstrates that commitment to safety?
• What role do supervisors have in safety?  Do they train? Do they enforce?  Do they inspect?
• What are the employees responsibilities for workplace safety?  Are they responsible for themselves?  What about the people around them?  Should they work around hazards or report them?  What precautions are required of all employees while working in production?  Do they have PPE?  Personal Protective Equipment?  Is it used correctly?   Is it in good condition?  Where do the responsibilities lie?

In my opinion Management has a responsibility to provide safe tools and equipment.  Supervisors are to ensure safe productivity happens in the workplace.   All employees are responsible for themselves and those around them, their area, and the areas around them as well.