Initial Considerations When Creating a Safety & Wellness Program

We have developed guidance and practical steps for you to implement each of the ten areas of focus when creating an effective Safety & Wellness Program at your organization. The following guidance correlates to focus area number one: Safety & Wellness Plan: Initial Considerations.

Health and wellness programs are an essential component of maintaining a safe, healthy and inclusive workplace. Implementing these programs takes careful planning and consistent execution. The following checklist includes initial considerations to ensure that your health and wellness programs are well-thought- out and inclusive of all levels of your organization.

• Does your health and wellness program include both general safety and health elements, as well as site- or program-specific hazards faced by your teams?
• Is one person clearly responsible for the safety and health program?
• Do you have a safety committee or group, and does it include members from all levels of employment?
• Does your safety committee meet regularly to plan activities, and report on its activities in writing?
• Do you have a procedure to handle in-house employee complaints regarding safety and health?
• Do you publicize the efforts and accomplishments of the safety and health program to your workforce?
• Have you considered incentives for employees or work groups who excel in reducing workplace injury and illnesses?

The overall health of your organization is a direct reflection of the well-being of the individuals who work there. Make sure that you are implementing a comprehensive health and wellness program that will promote an active, engaged culture of safety and health, and help to prevent workplace incidents and injuries.

For more information regarding employee safety or Workers’ Compensation coverage, please contact wc@redwoodsgroup.com.