We’ve all heard the saying… “You get what you pay for.”
When it comes to safety programs, it’s absolutely true. I recently did a little research into what it would cost to have a safety program developed, and although I had a general idea of what the average program would run but I had no idea how much of spectrum there was in terms of price and quality. I saw price ranges from $279.00 all the way up to and above $10,000.
Many of these safety companies boast that their programs are “guaranteed to get you COR!”. This is a dangerous statement in itself as the COR standard measures several criteria, including documentation, and site observations, relying on the safety program document alone is only a portion of the total audit score. That’s why it is important to understand the difference between a “Safety Program” and a Safety Management System. Building a system takes effort and must include all levels of employees in the organization.
A safety management system must be specific to the company, including its processes, organizational structure and scope of work. Unfortunately for those trying to save a quick dollar by buying a “cheap” safety program, they are likely to find it lacks the systems approach and then the company is left with trying to manage the implementation on their own. It is possible to do this but it can be a long drawn out process.
A safety program is nothing if it doesn’t have the processes and structure to support it and provide guidance to the people it’s intended to protect… the workers.
This is why it is so important to do some research into the company that you are thinking about hiring. Be wary of a company that only asks for minimal information and doesn’t seek to engage with you. Look for a company that asks you questions about what you and how you do it, that is actively involved with your team. Ask questions about any details you’re unclear about.
At Safety Ahead, we pride ourselves on our structured, process driven safety management systems. Our programs are user friendly for workers align with the COR Audit Standard and current legislation. We actively involve company employees at all levels in the development of the programs, and the management system, because after all, who knows your company operations better than you?
If you’re looking to improve your current safety management system or create a new one you can count on us to provide structure and support. We will work with you and your employees to advance the quality of the management system, effectively and efficiently as a team with the same goals. Managing the implementation is a key factor in the creation of a successful outcome.