• A company should have a clearly stated policy on safety.

Obviously, management commitment to safety is crucial. But what does this mean in practical terms of implementing a program? First, it means that the organization has a clearly stated policy on safety. This policy statement serves as the foundation of safety and health management. It communicates the value that safety has in the organization. This policy should be the basic point of reference for all decisions affecting safety and health. So, when it comes down to a situation where there’s debate about whether to spend money on a certain hazard control, the safety professional can point to this policy to remind everyone of safety’s stated place in the company.

Further, the simple act of working on the policy, approving the policy, etc., will typically get upper management involved, and that’s an important aspect of the policy statement.