Health and safety compliance is adhering to security rules set by regulatory bodies and legislators. Organizations must comply with the safety standards that apply to their industry and jurisdiction. Employers are responsible for enforcing compliance in the workplace, within and among employees. The regulatory bodies have processes to monitor and enforce safety compliance in the workplace.
Health and safety compliance aims to keep workers, the general public, property and the natural environment safe from various work-related hazards. The crucial factor in security compliance is adherence to security standards, even when there is no direct oversight, including workers performing their jobs as instructed, maintaining a proper maintenance program for heavy machinery, and employers providing their employees with adequate personal protective equipment. For instance, IOSH sets requirements by offering ISO 45001 for occupational health and management systems.
Below are ways to ensure employees follow health and safety programs as intended.
Training programs help familiarize employees with safety rules, risks, and consequences of non-compliance. Training using simulation tools helps employees experiment safely and appreciate the need for compliance. Additionally, many OSHA standards require training as part of compliance requirements.
Security policies should be communicated clearly, and a note on disciplinary action for non-compliance. Effective discipline programs begin with a minor consequence, such as a verbal warning. The organization can take actions such as suspension or termination for repeated violations and disregarding security.
Employees should feel free enough to communicate security concerns without fear of repercussions. Regular safety committee meetings and feedback from employees, supervisors and other staff members should be encouraged.
Health and safety compliance audits and the legal safety compliance checklist are very important as they help maintain regulatory compliance. Checklists ensure that nothing is overlooked and documentation supports the organization in the event of an unexpected incident.
Basic compliance measures employers need to take to ensure compliance:
- Provide a safe workplace free from serious risks.
- Provide workers with adequate PPE for the risks they face.
- Provide relevant safety training.
- Ensure proper maintenance of equipment and tools.
- Use visual identifiers, color codes and sign to alert workers to potential hazards in their environment.
- Resolve any issues discovered during security inspections and audits.
