Hazard Control Policy Statements

Develop, sign, and publish an organizational hazard control policy statement. 

Appendix C Sample Hazard Control Policy Statement... 

Develop, sign, and publish an organizational hazard control policy statement Describe key expectations related to accomplishing hazard control objectives Ensure that all organizational members can explain the major objectives Develop methods to track progress and provide feedback to all organizational members Require managers and supervisors to visibly support established objectives... 

A policy statement alone is worth very little. Management must provide a sustained commitment of resources for an ongoing program. The most important resources are the right people having the background, qualifications, experience and commitment needed to safely operate and maintain the facility. This includes the technical expertise to understand chemical reactivity hazards and their control and the means to maintain the needed knowledge over time. 

Obviously, management commitment to safety is crucial. But, what does this mean in practical terms of implementing a program First, it means that the organization has a clearly stated policy on safety. This policy statement serves as the foundation of safety and health management. It communicates the value that safety has in the organization. This pohcy should be the basic point of reference for all decisions affecting safety and health. So, when it comes down to a situation where there s debate about whether to spend money on a certain hazard control, the safety professional can point to this policy to remind everyone of safety s stated place in the company. 

Most organizations with a written Health Safety Policy contain statements that hazards will be identified and controlled. It is generally recognized that managers and scientists have, as part of their work, the responsibility to see that all prudent actions are taken to ensure their operations do not lead to unacceptable risks to the health and safety of the organization s employees, customers or to the environment. 

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