Records of accidents, work-related illnesses, doctor's reports, insurance reports, chemical inventories, employment records, and equipment instruction manuals serve as a valuable resource. Whether your program has all seven elements described in this guide is not important. What is important is that the program you develop protects you and your employees' safety and health. You may need outside professionals to help you develop and conduct part or all of your program. It is possible that at least one of them has found a simple, efficient solution.
Most businesses are willing to share information in the area of workplace safety and health.
Equipment manufacturers are quite concerned with safety in the use of their products. To keep their customers, get potential customers, and minimize their liability, manufacturers will give you advice and engineering information to make sure their equipment is safe. Workers' compensation carriers, as well as many liability and fire insurance companies, conduct periodic inspections and visits to evaluate safety and health hazards and give guidance and assistance in establishing and monitoring your program. Contact your carrier to see what they have to offer. Trade associations and employer groups provide safety and health assistance to better serve their members.