Question

Video Q&A – What is a safety policy?

Answer
By Bryan McWhorter | Last updated: March 20, 2018
Presented by AD Safety Network

What a great question, and something very important to understand. Hi, I'm Bryan McWhorter for Safeopedia. When OSHA was created in 1970, it set its mission as; to ensure safe work environments for working women and men. It expects employers to create those safe work environments and commit to the safety of their workers and to the public. This often begins we the safety policy.

The safety policy is just a written endorsement—again, a written statement committing to safety. And it makes sense. Our effort rarely exceeds our commitment. So, a good starting point for that commitment is that written policy. I've seen a lot o

Advertisement
f these and they can be quite small or quite large. Just a few paragraphs or several pages. Your safety policy, again, states your commitment to safety. They might include things like safety goals and targets. They might mention the ability of workers to stop work if they deem it unsafe. It could include whistleblower protection, or the enforcement of safety rules that all workers are expected to follow the safety rules and guidelines that are set by the company for their protection.

So, once again, what is a safety policy? It's just your written statement committing to safety that you're going to create a safe work environment for your employees and the public—anyone who deals with your business. If you have any other questions regarding safety policies, feel free to reach out to Safeopedia. We love answering safety-related questions and helping. Honestly, it's kind of what we do.

Presented By

Logo for AD Safety Network

Share this

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • X

Written by Bryan McWhorter | Lead Safety Advisor, Author, Writer, Speaker

Bryan McWhorter

Bryan McWhorter is a safety professional with eight years of experience in driving and teaching safety. Bryan gained his knowledge and experience as the safety officer and Senior Trainer for Philips Lighting. Philips is a strong health and well-being company that promotes a safety first culture.

More Q&As from our experts

Term of the Day

Edge Effects

Edge effects are defined in ecology as the influence that two ecological communities have on one another where they meet at…
Read Full Term

Let's Make Workplaces Safer!

Subscribe to the Safeopedia newsletter to stay on top of current industry trends and up-to-date know-how from subject matter authorities. Our comprehensive online resources are dedicated to safety professionals and decision makers like you.

Resources
Go back to top