Six Key Questions
- What are the costs vs. benefits?
- What is the "message" sent to the workforce and the community as a result of action or inaction? Answer this question to address the social obligation.
- What is the investment required to take corrective action contrasted against the costs if corrective actions are not taken? Answer this question to address the financial obligation.
- What are the costs that might result if OSHA investigates and/or legal action is taken against the company? Answer this question to address the legal obligation.
Target the benefits and how they outweigh the costs.
Ask these important questions to address the benefits in all three obligation categories.
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 recommended corrective actions.
More ideas to consider:
- These options must also eliminate or reduce the hazards and the exposures;
- Try to include at least three real-world examples, but only one or two for this exercise;
- 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.
7-9. Why would you discuss the consequences of rejecting your recommendation if OSHA subsequently inspects?
You forgot to answer the question!