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Why and How to Create a safety “Code of Conduct” at your business

Businesses are a living, breathing thing. They are an ever-changing endeavor that constantly has to address new employees coming into the fold. This can be an issue for any business. From a specialized machining company to an accounting firm, each business has unique challenges and dangers that are presented when it comes to safety.

To help address this problem, one solution could be to create a safety “code of conduct” for your company. This can create both a knowledge of potential issues as well as an understanding of how to confront those issues. Here is a simple 3 step process you can work with in order to create this code.

  1. Identify Issues / Potential Issues
    The best way to solve problems is to be proactive and find a way to stop issues before they happen. Take stock of any issues that have come up in the past, and potential problems that can come up. Look at both large and small episodes and categorize / brainstorm about what policies you can develop in order to keep safety as a high priority. Also, use the knowledge of safety professionals (such as EHS) in order to get a full 360-degree view of potential safety issues in your business.
  2. Determine and document your process
    After making a “issue inventory,” and brainstorming about possible solutions, write everything down and start editing each issue into categories such as major, medium, minor. Create a system of tracking safety concerns and make your plan in plain and simple language so it can be easily memorable by those who read it. Also, try to build in incentives for perfect safety. It will help the team concentrate more on keeping things on the correct path day in and day out.
  3. Build a rollout (and upkeep) plan
    Create a plan for presenting and spreading the word about your code of conduct for your current employees. Emphasize any incentive you have built in as well as the importance for following the code as closely as possible. Many companies have employees sign a copy and are advised to have a condensed version on them while on the job. Also, develop a way for any new employees to become familiar with the code of conduct during their on-boarding to keep everyone on the same page.

Of course, no plan is full proof and can see the future. So, an upkeep plan is essential to keep the effectiveness of the code of conduct. Try to conduct bi-yearly or quarterly assessments of your code to determine its validity and to see if any improvements can be made.

If you have any questions about safety concerns or are unsure how to get started assessing your safety situation. Contact EHS today for a free consultation.