MODULE 1: MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT

The Reactive Process: Injury - Investigate - Recommend - Implement

The reactive safety improvement process begins when an accident occurs. By definition, reactive strategies look backward. Unfortunately, when an accident occurs it may be investigated primarily to determine if employees violated safety rules. Recommendations regarding possible discipline and correcting hazards are proposed. Finally, corrective actions and system improvements may be implemented.

As you can see, the company places most of its effort reacting to accidents after they occur. A reactive response occurs after an injury or illness and usually has the purpose of minimizing the costs associated with the accident. The safety professional attempts to prevent future accidents by investigating previous accidents and other historical data. Reactive safety approaches usually cost much more than proactive programs because they are initiated only after an injury or illness occurs.

1. The leadership message that says, "we don't care about you," and

2. The management message that says, "it's all about money, not your safety."

Here are some examples of reactive safety programs:

o Accident investigation to primarily place blame. Analysis of root causes does not occur.
o Early return to work/light duty program. Great program, but it should not be the central strategy in reducing costs.
o Incentive programs that reward withholding injury reports. Promises of reward for working "injury free" produce negative peer pressure and may send a message that "every time there's an accident, it's the employee's fault."
o Disciplinary program if it's tied to injuries. You can bet adequate analysis has not been conducted if employees are being disciplined quickly after an accident.

Relying on reactive strategies is like driving down the road and looking in the rear-view mirror to help you stay safely in your lane.