Six Key Questions
6. What will be the cost/benefits of corrective actions and system improvements?
The benefits of safety always outweigh the costs.
- What are the costs that might result if/when OSHA inspects? Answer this question to address the legal obligation your employer has.
- What is the estimated investment required to take corrective action, and how does that contrast with the possible costs if corrective actions are not taken? Answer this question to address the fiscal obligation your employer has.
- What are the "messages" sent to the workforce and the community due to action or inaction? Answer this question to address the social obligation your employer has.
It's important to have the answers to all of these questions ready for the decision-maker.
The maintenance supervisor may be able to help you estimate the investment required for the recommended corrective actions.
Below are some additional ideas for you to consider.
- These options must also eliminate or reduce the hazards and exposures.
- Briefly list low/high-cost solutions that eliminate the problem now/soon.
- Briefly list low/high-cost solutions that reduce the problem now/soon.
- Briefly list the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-5. When recommending corrective actions, why is it important to answer the question, "What are the costs that might result if/when OSHA inspects?"
You forgot to answer the question!