Supervisors are one of the most important components to a tight workers compensation program. If a hazard is reported in the workplace, it is the supervisor’s job to rectify it and do everything possible to protect his/her workers.
Hazards exist in every workplace in many different forms. For example, sharp edges, falling objects, flying sparks, chemicals, noise and a myriad of other potentially dangerous situations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect their employees from workplace hazards that can cause injury.
Controlling a hazard at its source is the best way to protect employees. Depending on the hazard, supervisors should use engineering or work practice controls first to manage or eliminate hazards to the greatest extent possible. For example, building a barrier between the hazard and the employees is an engineering control; changing the way in which employees perform their work is a work practice control.
Once those are exhausted, the next best thing is personal protective equipment(PPE). PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples include gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators and full body suits. While personal protective equipment is effective, it does nothing to actually eliminate the hazard and relies on worker compliance. That’s where the supervisor comes in to play.
In general, employers & supervisors are responsible for:
- Performing a “hazard assessment” of the workplace to identify and control physical and health hazards.
- Identifying and providing appropriate PPE for employees.
- Training employees in the use and care of the PPE. Stressing the importance of using it. See here.
- Maintaining PPE, including replacing worn or damaged PPE.
- Periodically reviewing, updating and evaluating the effectiveness of the PPE program.
In general, employees should:
- Properly wear PPE,
- Attend training sessions on PPE,
- Care for, clean and maintain PPE, and
- Inform a supervisor of the need to repair or replace PPE.
For more details on implementing a proper PPE program and making sure you comply with OSHA click here:
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3151.html
Please note, as part of our Comp Care program, Metropolitan Risk provides supervisor training. It can be done either in person, or through an online video & exam. It was designed to stress the importance of the Supervisor position when it comes to injury prevention, and what to do when an injury does unfortunately occur.
Photo by Christopher Gower on Unsplash 
