QWE Practice Guideline: 420: Provide a healthy and safe environment

Target group: Any organization supporting or employing individuals with disabilities

Practice Description

Develop safety programs eliminate safety incidents and empower staff to notice and report on safety issues

Resources Needed

Subject matter experts/trainers

• Staff or consultant with workplace safety knowledge

Funding

• Budget for monetary incentives
• Grants
• Support from local safety organizations

Implementation Process

Process

• Develop safety monitoring program, Zero Accident Culture (ZAC), to focus on having zero safety related incidents
• ZAC includes
  • Good Catch Program
    • Encourages employees to identify potential safety hazards at work and home, be aware of their surroundings, and promote an overall safe environment
    • Employees are expected to submit a certain number of ‘Good Catches’ each month
    • Employees that submit the most and the best ‘Good Catches’ receive a monetary award
  • Monthly Safety Training
  • Regular safety talks at each work site
• After one year with zero workers compensation incidents, offer a drawing for a grand prize

Documentation

• SOPs
  • Policies and procedures for implementing and maintaining the program
• Training
  • Staff training to understand program functions

Outcomes/Results

• Decreased the number of safety-related incidents
• Decreased worker compensation costs
• Improved culture of safety
• Staff feel safe and valued

NPA: Challenge Unlimited, Inc.
Location: Alton, IL
Date Submitted: 2011
Website: www.cuinc.org

Resources: Quality Work Environment Workbook