The Value of Written Job Descriptions

A written job description describes the structure of the organization, including the safety management system and other associated elements— for example, production and quality. An individual job description describes the most important characteristics and responsibilities of a position [1]. 

Some small companies do not understand the value of job descriptions. OSHA believes that, with respect to safety responsibilities, written statements are preferable to oral assignments [2]. 

Regardless of what OSHA believes, any organization should always do what is right for the business. Each company must understand that a carefully written job description accomplishes the following  

Helps to determine that all responsibilities have been accounted for in the organization 

Identifies how new tasks and responsibilities should be assigned Helps to develop job performance objectives and establishes performance measurements 

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