Frequently Asked Questions...

What is a safety program?
A safety program is, among other things, an organized, comprehensive, and knowledge-based collection of policies and procedures. The program contains the result of a series of analyses performed to determine the hazards that exist and potential hazards that may exist, and the methods and means of eliminating or reducing their potential for harm to all personnel, property, and the environment. Training and education rounds out a safety program by providing a forum for safety and health instruction, regulatory compliance, and information exchange.

What is the value of a safety program?
The basic value to a safety program is to help protect and assure the health and safety of your employees. In addition, a safety program is a valuable means of organizing the workplace and providing an organized approach to a quality work environment.

Is there value in training?
Training is one of the most valuable and under-utilized tools available to a company. Safety training allows a company a focused means of communication with employees about safety and provides an opportunity for discussion with employees about their role in assuring a safe and healthy workplace.

What about regulatory requirements?
Regulatory requirements are important as is regulatory compliance. Many companies develop their safety program strictly along regulatory requirements, an acceptable approach.

One thing about regulatory compliance is the standards and laws that apply to workplace safety and health are often performance based rather than prescriptive. So, it is not sufficient to just parrot the standard back in a procedure. Your program has to be thought through from a workplace standpoint not just a regulatory one. The Hazard Communications standard is an example. You just can’t say we have a Hazard Communication Program, Joe Bafupps is in charge and we have Material Safety Data Sheets. You have to develop a full written program, explain who is in charge and their responsibilities, how the MSDS program is administered and how MSDS’s are readily available among other things. The reason Hazard Communication continues to be one of the most frequently cited OSHA standards is the lack of applying a performance based approach to regulatory requirements.

Can CSERT provide services to a company of our size?
CSERT works with private companies and public organizations, and we take pride in being able to work with a client’s needs regardless of their size or location. CSERT stewards development of issue-specific programs for larger companies, provides safety program administration for companies without a safety and health staff, and develops a wide variety of health and safety programs and delivers customized training for companies of all sizes.

Can CSERT customize a program for you?
Yes. CSERT is involved in many customized programs. An example is the less-than-10 person specialty company that decided to re-invent their safety program and provide their services to a specific industry around the country. CSERT worked with the company’s management to develop a new program, contacted the national compliance group that administers the industry compliance program, and made sure the program met their specific requirements. The company was recognized by the compliance program at a 99% level. As a result the relationship continues with CSERT providing annual program review, periodic updates to the program, and an annual training program.