Evaluate to Improve the SMS
Correct program shortcomings and identify opportunities to improve. Whenever a problem is identified in any part of the SMS, take prompt action to correct the problem and prevent its recurrence.
- Identify your top problem areas. For hazards, review your injury logs, and results from your hazard assessments. Start with the hazard posing the greatest risk of harming workers by evaluating the severity of the potential exposure and the likelihood that an incident could occur. Prioritize hazards over other areas of your program, particularly if a threat is imminent.
- For other program elements, talk with your workers about what areas you could improve. For data that you are already collecting, determine whether it is an area that you should prioritize.
- Consider what actions you could take to address your key areas. Talk with your workers and anyone else with knowledge of the issue that can provide suggestions.
- Set a goal, and use leading indicators to reach it. Make an informed decision on what your goal should be and how long it might take to achieve. Choose a leading indicator that can help you to achieve your goal over time.
- Collect the data. Begin collecting the leading indicator data for the time period you decided on as well as the data for your goal during that same time period.
- Periodically review the results. Assemble the results into a graph to determine whether there is a positive relationship between your leading indicator and your goal. Did the action that you took help you to achieve your goal? If not, try something else.
- Remember that just one or two indicators can make a positive impact. OSHA recommends getting started today and customizing the type and number of indicators to your needs, resources, and abilities as they evolve over time.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-9. Whenever a serious problem is identified in any part of the safety and health program, _____.
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