MODULE 8: EVALUATING THE SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Evaluation Process

Step One. Determine where we are now - identify and analyze!

Structure

One structural model for a safety management system includes four primary functional positions: the safety manager, safety engineer, human resources coordinator, and safety committee.

Safety Manager. The safety manager (director, coordinator, officer) position typically has overall responsibility for the company's safety function. Some of the other duties and responsibilities of this position include:

• the primary internal consultant to the employer and safety committee
• program manager of all OSHA-mandated standards
• report to production/quality manager

Safety Engineer. This person is the in-house expert and consultant on eliminating or reducing hazards in the workplace through the application of engineering controls. The safety engineer is familiar with lockout/tagout, machine guarding, electrical safety, ventilation, etc.

Human Resource Coordinator. This very important position coordinates and consults on important human resource programs such as Early Return to Work/Light Duty, Employee Assistance Program, Drug Free Workplace, incentive/recognition program, accountability, claims management, etc.

Safety Committee. The primary fact gathering, problem-solving consultant team. Assists the safety manager in identifying, analyzing and evaluating the safety management system.