Beginnings of an Effective Safety Program
Capt. Evaristo López
Safety Officer
Capt. Saulo Solis Molina Cadet Squadron
Puerto Rico Wing
Every organization, including the Civil Air Patrol, needs to have a reliable Safety Program which provides the necessary tools to its members in order for them to carry out their operations in a safe place free of potential hazards. For that reason, it is important to foster a safety mindset in all activities without exemptions. Safety has to be seen not as an obligation, but as an integral part of the organizational culture. Bearing in mind that every organization is different, and every Safety Program has to adapt to the unique needs of every unit, wherein you can find some motivations that can help in the improvement of every unit's Safety Program.
Now, the question is what motivates our interest today to improve the safety in our organization?
First, if it is that the leadership gave instructions to improve safety in our organization – starting with the leadership, capture and communicate their commitment by creating a safety policy that establishes objectives for the Safety Program. Identify the necessary resources to start and operate the program, this can include staff time, experience, and financial support.
Second, if it is that the incidence of injuries and illness is high or serious incidents have occurred – start by evaluating the existing Safety Program. Many times, these incidents are used as primary indicators, but these do not always provide a complete picture of the different risks that the members can be exposed to. Evaluate what elements of the program are being used and how well these are functioning. Conducting an evaluation can help members to become involved and leaders think about long-term alternatives for the improvement of the Safety Program. Also, it establishes a base for the monitoring of program improvement.
Third, If the situation is that members have elevated their concerns related to the organization’s safety, start by including them in the process. Concerns can be generated from diverse sources. The members know firsthand the hazards to which they can be exposed, given the fact that they operate in squadron environments during unit activities. They can help in identifying hazards and in the proposal of controls necessary to improve the areas for better performance inside the parameters established for an effective Safety Program.
Fourth, If the situation is that the members do not know how to carry out their duties and responsibilities, start with education and training. Everyone inside the organization has duties and responsibilities that have to be completed. Education and training are especially important in order to comply with them in an effective and efficient way. An example can be the specific training that the members receive in order for them to be able to identify hazards and the possible controls to be implemented in every work area.
Finally, If the members have identified a hazard, and the controls used are not effective, start with prevention and hazard control. Determine why the existent controls are not preventing injuries, illnesses, and incidents. It could be the result of an ineffective risk evaluation, not having the necessary resources to implement the controls, lack of training, or the inappropriate use of the controls. Remember that new risks and the evolution of existing ones will require additional controls. Make sure to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the existing controls and the overall organization Safety Program.
No matter where it starts and what the situation is, during the creation of an efficient and effective Safety Program you will elaborate on every element of the program. Every element of it has to work in conjunction in order to obtain reliable results. It is vital that everyone in the organization, with the support of leaders at all levels, work towards the creation, implementation, and continuous evaluation of the established Safety Program for the benefit of all the members, the operations, and the mission. It is a team effort that will ensure safe work areas free of potential hazards. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Safety is not only a title, an office, or a person; it is a way of life.
Reference: OSHA. Your Safety and Health Program, Starting the Journey.
