700 Introduction to Safety Management

Element 6: Continuous Evaluation of the Accountability System

Usually, evaluation of the accountability program involves the safety coordinator and/or safety committee. In some "state-plan" states, OSHA law requires the safety committee to evaluate the employer’s accountability system.

The process usually involves three levels of activity:

• Identification: Inspect the accountability system policies, plans, procedures, processes to identify what exists.
• Analysis: Dissect and thoroughly study each accountability system policy, plan, procedure, and process to understand what they look like.
• Evaluation: Compare and contrast each accountability system policy, plan, procedure, process against benchmarks and best practices to judge their effectiveness.

Evaluating for Accountability

OSHA looks primarily for two program elements when evaluating an employer for accountability: Policy and consequences. OSHA does not mandate or require specific recognition/disciplinary procedures: That’s the responsibility of the employer. But an effective accountability policy that is written and clearly communicated should be in place. Make sure your company has a written policy that addresses accountability, including these three key components.

• specific performance expectations;
• who is accountable - both management and employee; and
• appropriate consequences such as progressive discipline.

If you believe there are weaknesses in your employer’s accountability system, take notes on the behaviors and conditions you see in the workplace that may point to accountability system policies, plans, processes, and procedures that are inadequate or missing.

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