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Injury and Illness Prevention Program

An Injury and Illness Prevention Program is required at all work sites. The program is considered effective if it satisfies the regulatory requirements of 3203 and helps the employer and the employee to identify the hazards specific to their work site and then to control these hazards. Following is a summary of the regulatory requirements.

A. The IIP Program must be in writing and must include the following elements: 1509(a), 3203(a)

1. The employer’s assignment of responsibilities. 3203(a)(1)
   
2. A system for ensuring employee compliance with safe work practices. 3203(a)(2)
   
3. A system for two-way communication between employers and employees about safety issues. 3203(a)(3)
   
4. Scheduled inspections and an evaluation system to identify hazards. 3203(a)(4)
   
5. An accident investigation process. 3203(a)(5)
   
6. Procedures for correcting unsafe and unhealthy conditions. 3203(a)(6)
   
7. Safety and health training. 3203(a)(7)
   
8. Recordkeeping. 3203(b)
   

B. Special IIP Program requirements are as follows:

1. Employers must adopt and post a Code of Safe Practices at each job site. Plate A-3 in Appendix A of the CSOs illustrates a general format. 1509(b), (c)
   
2. Periodic meetings of supervisors must be held to discuss the safety program and accidents that have occurred. 1509(d), 3203
   
3. Supervisors must conduct tailgate or toolbox safety meetings at least every ten working days; however, weekly meetings are recommended. 1509(e)
   

C. Safety training for employees is regulated as follows:

1. New workers must be instructed in safe work practices, job hazards, and safety precautions and must be required to read the Code of Safe Practices. 1510(a)
   
2. The employer shall permit only qualified or experienced employees to operate equipment or machinery. 1510(b)
   
3. Workers must be instructed in the following:
   
   1. The recognition of job site-specific hazards
      
   2. Procedures for protecting themselves
      
   3. First aid procedures in the event of injury. 1510(c)
      

D. General safety requirements are as follows:

1. No worker shall be required or permitted to work in an unsafe workplace. 1511(a)
   
2. Before starting work the employer must survey the job site for hazards and use necessary safeguards to ensure that work is performed safely. 1511(b)
   

E. Specific requirements are as follows:

If an employer is subject to specific safety orders, the requirements of these SOs must be considered when developing the employer’s IIP Program. These SOs may include specific procedures or processes as well as requirements for reporting, training, exposure limits, personal protection, and registration and certification.

F. Employees have numerous rights under the IIP Program, including the following: 3203(a)

1. The right to work in a safe and healthy workplace
   
2. The right to inform the employer of workplace hazards without fear of reprisal
   
3. The right to receive training that is readily understandable
   

G. Safety program recommendations are as follows:

1. Supervisors should be qualified in safety procedures and held accountable.
   
2. The effectiveness of the safety program should be monitored.

   Note: The Guide to Developing Your Workplace Injury and Illness Prevention Program is available online as an html and pdf.