As a business owner, it’s up to you to create your own IIPP to not only protect your employees but to protect your business.
The Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) is a simple written workplace safety program that is meant to protect your employees and your business. Referring to Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (T8CCR) section 3203, it states that every employer is required to develop and implement an effective IIPP. Good management and employee involvement create an effective IIPP, which can improve the safety and health in your workplace and reduces overall costs. The eight required Injury and Illness Prevention Program elements are:
- Hazard Assessment
- Communication
- Responsibility
- Compliance
- Accident/Exposure Investigation
- Training and Instruction
- Recordkeeping
- Hazard Correction
In order for your IIPP to be effective, it must provide the following:
- Identify the specific workplace hazards employees are exposed to;
- Fully involve every employee, supervisor, and manager;
- Provide the effective training in order to respond accordingly to any possible danger;
- Correct identified hazards in an appropriate and timely manner.
It’s important to note that the better you actually put your IIPP into practice in the workplace will determine how effective it may be. Remember to review and update your IIPP regularly–it is the best way for it to remain effective.
If your business does not have an IIPP in place, it is at risk. The reason being, if one of your employees gets injured during an emergency and you have no IIPP, you could be held liable if the court decides that you are not in compliance.
Please review your business insurance policy. If it does not meet your business’ needs or if you need help with the review or a quote, please contact Hoffman Brown Company in Sherman Oaks, California, they are happy to help you.
