Every employer in America is required by law to provide a safe and healthful workplace for employees. In California, employers are required by law to document compliance by preparing and maintaining an effective, written injury and illness prevention program (IIPP).  In other states, employers may be subjected to comparable requirements by courts of law, administrative orders, and policies of insurance.

What should you expect to see in an IIPP?  It is a written plan that has the following elements:

• Management commitment/assignment of responsibilities
• Safety communications system with employees
• System for assuring employee compliance with safe work practices
• Scheduled inspections/evaluation system
• Accident investigation
• Procedures for correcting unsafe/unhealthy conditions
• Safety and health training and instruction
• Recordkeeping and documentation

The IIPP includes procedures that the employer puts into practice.  Part of the employer’s responsibility is to control potential workplace hazards and correct hazardous conditions or practices as they occur or are recognized.  The program includes a system for the employer to communicate with employees on matters relating to occupational safety and health, including provisions designed to encourage employees to inform the employer of hazards at the worksite without fear of reprisal.

The safety communications system, one of the elements of the IIPP, should be in a form readily understandable by all affected employees.  The safety communication system may include:

• meetings,
• training programs,
• postings,
• written communications,
• a system for anonymous notification by employees about hazards,
• labor/management safety and health committees, and
• other means of ensuring communication with employees.

In the construction industry, California employers must, additionally, conduct "toolbox" or "tailgate" safety meetings with their crews at least every ten working days to emphasize safety.  Supervisors also need to hold periodic meetings to discuss safety problems and accidents that have occurred.