A safe work environment benefits both employees and employers. Standard operating procedures and safe job procedures help employees understand employment hazards and risks involved in specific tasks. Use techniques to help employees remember SOP-SJPs and to help train employees to work safely in a work environment.
Evaluate Hazardous Tasks
Observe the potentially hazardous tasks and the current procedures in place for employees accomplishing the tasks. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends a job-hazard analysis in which the employer or hired experts study every step of a job, identify possible hazards and find the safest way to perform the task. Note circumstances where employees may not be performing tasks properly or safely. Note circumstances in which employees may not have proper equipment necessary for a safe work environment.
Develop SOP and SJP
After evaluating work tasks, develop basic and sound SOPs and SJPs for all hazardous tasks. To make the SOPs and SJPs effective, make them as simple and logical as possible. Break the entire task down into separate steps and enumerate them in the order employees perform them. Note each potential risk within each step so employees understand hazards. Specify actions employees must take to avoid risks and hazards.
Provide Effective Training
Create a training program that states the training objective and then teaches SOPs and SJPs effectively to employees. Training that includes hands-on learning activities often helps employees learn and remember information more readily. After providing written SOPs and SJPs and verbal instruction, move to learning activities that give employees opportunities to practice and demonstrate skills. Try to simulate actual work tasks as closely as possible to make the activities effective. Consider instituting a test in which employees must demonstrate their training and safety skills.
Monitor and Follow-Up Training
Monitor employees regularly as they work to ensure that they follow training and safety procedures. Unsupervised employees may not follow SOPs and SJPs, leading to unsafe work conditions. When employees know that management is regularly monitoring adherence to safety protocol, they will be more likely to remember and follow the procedures you institute. Note situations that need additional safety evaluations or employees who need additional training. Institute regular refresher training to ensure that employees remember SOPs and SJPs and use their training at all times.
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