Employee safety should be top priority for companies and organizations in every industry. To prioritize the health and safety of personnel in the workplace, companies and organizations must rely on safety program management teams. Individuals who combine an undergraduate degree in safety along with an MBA with a safety emphasis are those who lead their companies’ efforts at prioritizing safety. An online MBA program is an excellent choice for many safety graduates who want a deeper understanding of accounting, finance, management and marketing along with six additional graduate hours in safety program management, legal liability and workers’ compensation.
Goals of Safety Program Management
In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates employers’ efforts at “providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.” OSHA’s goal is to reduce the extent and severity of work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as reduce the related costs of handling those injuries and illnesses. Employers rely on safety managers to meet OSHA requirements and provide the safest and healthiest workplaces possible. By prioritizing safety program management, employers demonstrate that they value their workers’ safety, health and quality of life.
Elements of a Safety Program
Safety programs helps companies understand their obligations to their employees under OSHA regulations and how to meet those obligations. Companies employ safety program managers and safety program officers to oversee the establishment and enforcement of safety policies.
Federal law requires companies and organizations to post written policies and procedures, including policies that cover safety in the workplace. Safety program managers and officers are responsible for writing these policies, as well as monitoring their daily enforcement. An important element of safety program management is documenting compliance, employee safety performance, and safety or health incidents.
Industries Need Safety Management
OSHA regulations apply to employers and employees in general industries not covered by another federal agency, such as mining, construction or maritime companies. Safety program management is necessary in any industry subject to OSHA regulations. These guidelines and regulations apply not only to private sector employees but also to all federal government agency employees and some state and local government agency employees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the need for safety program managers and officers with advanced degrees such as an MBA to grow steadily.
Companies of all sizes in all industries must make their employees’ safety and health a top priority. Many larger businesses rely on safety program management teams to reach their overall safety goals and to comply with OSHA regulations. An online MBA program with a concentration in safety can equip aspiring safety professionals to ensure that businesses and organizations truly put safety first.
Learn more about the Southeastern Oklahoma State University online MBA in Safety program.
Sources:
http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/safety-program-management-2