MODULE 2: ACCOUNTABILITY

Introduction

The subject of this module is extremely important to the success of any safety program, so we spend more time on it. Be sure to give yourself adequate time to complete the module to you won't have to rush.

Accountability from the employer to employee

Accountability ranks right at the top with management commitment as a critical ingredient in a company's safety and health management system. In fact, if employees don't believe they're going to be held accountable (experience consequences) for the decisions they make related to safety, you can be sure that any safety effort is ultimately doomed to failure. Generally, when OSHA compliance officers ask you about "accountability," they want to know if you're enforcing safety rules using some sort of disciplinary system. So, that's the direction we're headed.

Note: It's important to understand that OSHA rules do not require any specific or standard disciplinary process or procedure. The design and implementation of an accountability system is left to the employer.