The Proactive Process: Identify - Anticipate - Analyze - Recommend - Implement

The proactive improvement process first identifies a hazard and anticipates the potential injury if the hazard is not corrected. Next, the hazard is analyzed to see if engineering and/or management controls might be used to eliminate or reduce exposure. The information gathered from the analysis is then used to produce recommendations. Finally, the recommended corrective actions and system improvements are implemented in the workplace.

The proactive improvement process predicts to prevent. Proactive strategies look forward. By emphasizing accident prevention, management sends a message of caring to all employees.

The safety professional attempts to identify and analyze hazardous conditions and unsafe behaviors in order to predict future accidents. Proactive strategies are always less expensive than reactive strategies. Remember, proactive programs are implemented to prevent future injuries and illnesses. Here are some characteristics of proactive safety and health programs:

• Accident analysis program to primarily determine system weaknesses. The employer conducts an analysis of the accident event to discover and improve safety management system weaknesses that may have contributed to the accident.



• Hazard identification and correction. Everyone is involved in identifying hazardous conditions by conducting periodic personal safety checks and inspections. Actions are initiated immediately to correct hazardous conditions.



• Behavioral analysis and correction. Employee behaviors are observed, analyzed and corrected. Focusing on employee behaviors may be quite effective in making dramatic improvements to workplace safety because most accidents, by far, are caused by unsafe or inappropriate behaviors.



• Employee wellness program. Employees are engaged in one or more programs that improve their physical and psychological wellness.



• Incentive and Recognition program. Employees are recognized for professional/safe behaviors that help prevent accidents in the workplace. Complying with safety rules, active participation on safety teams, and making suggestions are examples of proactive behaviors that are recognized.



• Safety committee/team. An active safety team that performs as an internal problem-solving consultant group.



• Education and training. All employees receive comprehensive safety education and training and are certified competent and qualified to perform hazardous tasks. Everyone is somehow involved in the safety education and training plan.



• Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). All hazardous tasks are analyzed to uncover hazards and develop preventive measures.



• Mandatory OR-OSHA safety programs. The company has designed and implemented written plans for the various rule-required safety programs (lockout/tagout, confined Space program, accountability system, etc.)