The document discusses the important safety responsibilities of supervisors in the workplace. It notes that supervisors are uniquely positioned to directly oversee employee safety by controlling work conditions and enforcing safety policies on a daily basis. The workshop aims to educate supervisors on key aspects of their safety role, including complying with laws, providing resources and support for safety, conducting training, overseeing work, and enforcing rules. Through exercises and discussion, supervisors will gain insight into managing safety programs and being safety leaders.

1. SAFETY AND THE
SUPERVISOR
An Introduction to Employer and Employee Safety Responsibilities

2. © OSTN Safety and The Supervisor
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The supervisor is the one person who can take immediate, direct action to make sure
that his or her work area is safe and healthful for all employees. Russell DeReamer,
author of Modern Safety Practices, considers the supervisor the only person who can
control employees, machines, and working conditions on a daily, full-time basis.
In his text, Occupational Safety and Health Management, Thomas Anton relates that the supervisor
bears the greatest responsibility and accountability for implementing the safety and health program
because it is he or she who works most directly with the employee. It is important that the supervisor
understand and apply successful management and leadership principles to safety and health to make
sure employees enjoy an injury- and illness-free work environment.
This workshop introduces you to key elements of supervisor responsibility and accountability:
Complying with the law, providing resources and support; conducting safety training; overseeing the
work; and enforcing safety rules.
Through team exercises and discussion, you will gain valuable insight into the role of the supervisor as
a manager of safety and health programs and a leader in safety. Please participate fully and enjoy the
class.
Welcome
Goals:
1. Describe and discuss supervisor responsibilities related to leadership.
2. Detail supervisor responsibilities to provide resources and support.
3. Define "adequate supervision" and describe how supervisors can meet this requirement.
4. Discuss the benefits and nature of supervisor involvement in for safety training.
5. Describe supervisor responsibilities for holding employees accountable for safety.
© 2000-2006 OSTN. All rights reserved.
This material, or any other material used to inform employers of compliance requirements of OSHA standards through simplification of the
regulations should not be considered a substitute for any provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or for any standards
issued by OSHA. The information in this publication is intended for training purposes only.

3. © OSTN Safety and The Supervisor
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For Training Purposes Only
OSHA Act of 1970
Public Law 91-596, 91st Congress, S.2193, December 29, 1970.
5. Duties
(a) Each employer --
(1) should furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are
free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical
harm to his employees;
(2) should comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
(b) Each employee should comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules,
regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and
conduct.
OSHA Act of 1970
Public Law 91-596, 91st Congress, S.2193, December 29, 1970.
5. Duties
(a) Each employer --
(1) should furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are
free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical
harm to his employees;
(2) should comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
(b) Each employee should comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules,
regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and
conduct.
What is the supervisor’s first and most important responsibility to
OSHA law?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
What is the employee’s first and most important accountability to their
employer?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Demonstrate Leadership By Example1
Supervisors need to comply with OSHA law… that's leadership by example.

4. © OSTN Safety and The Supervisor
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Furnish safe work and a safe workplace2
Supervisors should provide adequate resources to achieve standards
Providing a safe and healthful work environment
What can the supervisor and manager do make the physical
environment safe?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
What can the supervisor and manager do to reduce
unhealthful worker stress?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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What are weaknesses inherent in the walkaround inspection
process?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Observation. Supervisors can overcome the inability to uncover unsafe behaviors during an
inspection by regularly observing employee performance. Informal observation provides an effective
method to detect and correct hazardous conditions and unsafe behaviors before they result in an
accident.
• Informal observation is conducted continually by employees and supervisors.
• Formal observation procedures can be developed as an analysis tool to assist safety
staff in determining safety related trends. A safety committee observation process and
Job hazard analysis are forms of formal observation.
Job Hazard Analysis A “Job Hazard Analysis” is an organized approach that involves the
worker and supervisor observing a task, breaking it down into steps, analyzing each step for safety
and operational needs, and providing recommendations for procedures that will meet those needs.
Effective use of JHAs will do the following:
• Provide the supervisor with a clear understanding of what the employee does and does
not know about the task;
• Recognize needed changes in the equipment or procedures; and
• Provide a way to increase employee involvement.
What are inherent strengths of a Job Hazard Analysis?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Who is a qualified person?
"Qualified" means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional
standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated
his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
"Competent person" means one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings
or working conditions which are un-sanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take
prompt corrective measures to eliminate them.
The workplace should be inspected by a qualified person as often as the type of operation or the
character of the equipment requires. Defective equipment or unsafe conditions found by these
inspections should be replaced or repaired or remedied promptly.
The workplace should be inspected by a qualified person as often as the type of operation or the
character of the equipment requires. Defective equipment or unsafe conditions found by these
inspections should be replaced or repaired or remedied promptly.

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Why is it smart to investigate incidents as well as accidents? Why?
_________________________________________________________________________
_
What is the purpose of conducting an accident investigation?
_________________________________________________________________________
_
Have you ever seen "blame game" accident reports that claim the following
personal causes? The investigator who quickly arrives at the following "causes" for an
accident is most likely committing attribution error. We attribute the performance failure
to personal causes before considering those external factors that may be contributing to the
behavior. Accident reports that primarily attempt to fix the blame rather than fix the system
claim the victim:
Was lazy Lacked common sense Was careless Should have known
Was stupid Was inattentive Was accident-prone Had a poor attitude
A thorough incident/accident analysis will try to uncover why the above conditions exist. Discipline
will occur only after it can be demonstrated that root causes did not contribute to the surface causes of
the incident/accident.
Why is it important to thank employees who report incidents and
injuries immediately?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
What does a quality incident/accident investigation look like?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Accident
investigation
is
“fact-finding”
not
“fault-finding.”
The employer should analyze incident and injury accident that workers suffer in connection with their
employment, to determine the root causes and preventive measures that should be taken to prevent
recurrence. The employer should promptly install any safeguard to take any corrective measure indicated
or found advisable.
The employer should analyze incident and injury accident that workers suffer in connection with their
employment, to determine the root causes and preventive measures that should be taken to prevent
recurrence. The employer should promptly install any safeguard to take any corrective measure indicated
or found advisable.
Incident/Accident Investigation

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Weed out the causes of injuries and illness
1. Direct Cause of Injury
• Always the harmful transfer of energy.
• Kinetic, thermal, chemical, etc.
• Contact with, exposure too, etc.
2. Surface Causes of the Accident
• Specific/unique hazardous conditions and/or
unsafe actions
• Produce or contribute to the accident
• May exist/occur anytime, anyplace
• Involve the victim and others
3. Root Causes of the Accident
• Failure to design and/or carry out safety
policies, programs, plans, processes,
procedures, practices
• Pre-exist surface causes
• Result in common or repeated hazards
• Under control of management
• Failure can occur anytime, anywhere
Fails to inspect
No recognition planInadequate training plan
No accountability policy No inspection policy
No discipline procedures
Outdated hazcom programNo orientation process
Unguarded
m
achine
Horseplay
Fails to trainTo much work
Defective PPE Fails to report injury
Inadequate training
Create a hazard
Fails to enforce
Untrained worker
Broken tools
Ignore a hazard
Lack of time
Inadequate labeling
No recognition
Cuts
Burns
Lackofvision
Strains
Nomissionstatement
Chemical spill
The Effective Incident/Accident Investigation Process
Gather the information. Secure the scene and collect facts about what happened. The first two
steps ensure the accident scene does not change and information is gathered immediately.
Analyze the facts. Develop the sequence of steps leading up to and including the injury event.
Determine the surface and root causes for the accident.
Implement solutions. The final phase of the process is to develop and recommend corrective
actions and management solutions to make sure similar incidents/accidents do not recur. If an
honest evaluation determines that no root causes exist, then disciplinary actions may be justified.

8. © OSTN Safety and The Supervisor
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Just another day at work
Read the following OSHA accident synopsis and answer the questions:
Accident Synopsis
This is an after-the-fact narrative of the facts and circumstances as they relate to the serious injury John Smith received on
6/24/94 while employed as a machine attendant for XYZ of Portland, Maine.
Specific overall work being done:
Just before the accident, the crew and victim were involved in the process of grading, sorting, cutting, packaging, wrapping,
and inventorying poultry products.
Specific work being done by the victim:
At the time of the accident, the victim was attending to the #2 processing machine on the economy tray pack production line.
His job was to ensure that if there was a problem with the machine he was to fix it. Also, if the machine was to plug up
with poultry, the victim was to shut off the line, lockout/tagout the machine and unplug and then return it to service.
Description of the accident:
The lead worker for the work area had just stopped the production line to see if there was a problem with the product. The
operator and lead worker had initiated their safety plan, line of sight communications, and all machinery was shut off. At
this point the victim felt there was an opportunity to clean out the machine that was plugging up with poultry parts, and
stepped over the railing and to the front of the machine. The victim could not be seen by the machine operator while he was
in front cleaning out the machine. The lead worker, upon finding no problem and using the line of sight communications,
gave the hand signal to the machine operator that everything was clear and to start the machine and production line again.
The machine operator stepped forward and started the machine and production line, unaware that the victim had his arm in
the machine unplugging it. As the machine started, the cutting blades severed the victim’s little finger and ring finger at the
palm of his hand, at which point he began to scream to shut the machine off.
Post accident activity:
The machine was immediately shut off and the victim removed his hand. The victim was then given first aid and 911 was
called. The first responders then ordered the victim to be transported to Sacred Heart Hospital where the victim was
attended to, spent a few days recuperating and then was released.
What caused the accident?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
What actions are appropriate?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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Engineering Controls
These controls focus on the source of the hazard, unlike other types of controls that
generally focus on the employee exposed to the hazard. The basic concept behind
engineering controls is that, to the extent feasible, the work environment and the job itself
should be designed to eliminate hazards or reduce exposure to hazards.
Engineering controls are based on the following broad principles:
1. If feasible, design the facility, equipment, or process to remove the hazard and/or
substitute something that is not hazardous or is less hazardous.
• Redesigning, changing, or substituting equipment to remove the source of excessive temperatures,
noise, or pressure;
• Redesigning a process to use less toxic chemicals;
• Redesigning a work station to relieve physical stress and remove ergonomic hazards; or
• Designing general ventilation with sufficient fresh outdoor air to improve indoor air quality and
generally to provide a safe, healthful atmosphere.
2. If removal is not feasible, enclose the hazard to prevent exposure in normal operations.
• Complete enclosure of moving parts of machinery;
• Complete containment of toxic liquids or gases;
• Glove box operations to enclose work with dangerous microorganisms, radioisotopes, or toxic
substances; and
• Complete containment of noise, heat, or pressure-producing processes.
3. Where complete enclosure is not feasible, establish barriers or local ventilation to reduce
exposure to the hazard in normal operations. Examples include:
• Ventilation hoods in laboratory work;
• Machine guarding, including electronic barriers;
• Isolation of a process in an area away from workers, except for maintenance work;
• Baffles used as noise-absorbing barriers; and
Controlling the hazards you identify
When conditions arise that cause unusual or extraordinary hazards to workers, the employer should take
additional precautions taken to protect workers or to control hazardous exposure. If the operation cannot
be made reasonably safe, regular work should be discontinued while such abnormal conditions exist, or
until adequate safety of workers is ensured. To do that employers should consider hazard control
strategies.
When conditions arise that cause unusual or extraordinary hazards to workers, the employer should take
additional precautions taken to protect workers or to control hazardous exposure. If the operation cannot
be made reasonably safe, regular work should be discontinued while such abnormal conditions exist, or
until adequate safety of workers is ensured. To do that employers should consider hazard control
strategies.

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Management Controls
By following established safe work practices for accomplishing a task safely (and using PPE in many
cases), your employees can further reduce their exposure to hazard. Management controls attempt to
change surface and root cause behaviors.
1. Some of these general practices are very general in their applicability. They include
housekeeping activities such as:
• Removal of tripping, blocking, and slipping hazards;
• Removal of accumulated toxic dust on surfaces; and
• Wetting down surfaces to keep toxic dust out of the air.
2. Other safe work practices apply to specific jobs in the workplace and involve specific
procedures for accomplishing a job. To develop these procedures, you conduct a job hazard
analysis.
3. While controlling work practices and procedures can help reduce exposure to hazards, other
measures such as changing work schedules can also be quite effective. Such measures
include:
• Lengthened rest breaks,
• Additional relief workers,
• Exercise breaks to vary body motions, and
• Rotation of workers through different jobs
Why are engineering controls considered superior to management
controls?
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Using personal protective equipment is another management control used to reduce exposure by
placing a barrier between the employee and the hazard. When exposure to hazards cannot be
engineered completely out of normal operations or maintenance work, and when other management
controls cannot provide sufficient additional protection from exposure, personal protective clothing
and/or equipment may be required.
PPE includes such items as:
Face shields Steel-toed shoes Safety glasses Hard hats
Knee guards Leather aprons Mesh gloves Life jackets
Respirators Ear muffs Safety goggles Harness
What might be some of the drawbacks of reliance solely on PPE to
protect workers?
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Interim Measures
When a hazard is recognized, the preferred correction or control cannot always be accomplished
immediately. However, in virtually all situations, interim measures can be taken to
eliminate or reduce worker risk. These can range from taping down wires that pose a tripping hazard
to actually shutting down an operation temporarily. The importance of taking these interim protective
actions cannot be overemphasized. There is no way to predict when a hazard will cause serious harm,
and no justification to continue exposing workers unnecessarily to risk.

12. © OSTN Safety and The Supervisor
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Provide Effective Safety Training
The employer should see that workers are properly instructed and supervised in the safe operation of
any machinery, tools, equipment, process, or practice which they are authorized to use or apply.
The employer should see that workers are properly instructed and supervised in the safe operation of
any machinery, tools, equipment, process, or practice which they are authorized to use or apply.
Safety Education and Training
What is safety “education?”
• That which leads out of ignorance
• A process through which learners gain new understanding, acquire new skills, or change their
attitudes or behaviors.
• Generally, the “why” in safety - describes the consequences of performance.
- Natural consequences = explains the resulting hurt/health that occurs automatically as a result
of our actions.
- System consequences = explains the organizational punishment/reward that may or may not
occur as a result of our actions.
• Primarily increases general knowledge and improves attitudes.
What is safety “training?”
• A specialized form of education that focuses on developing or improving skills - the focus is on
performance.
• The “how” in safety - performing safe behaviors, practices, procedures.
• Primarily increases specific knowledge and improves skills.
Who is best suited to train employees on specific safe work procedures?
________________________________________________________________________________________________
_
How do you know safety training is effective ?
______________________________________________________________
3
Supervisors should provide adequate safety training

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Describe the
Safety Performance
Discrepancy
(The Gap)
Is
There
a deficiency in
knowledge,
ability or
skill?
Has the
employee
performed task
before?
Conduct
Formal safety
training
Is safe
behavior
punished?
Is the task
accomplished
often?
Conduct
practice
Provide
feedback
Is unsafe
behavior
rewarded?
Does safe
behavior
matter?
Do
obstacles to
safe behavior
exist?
Remove
punishment
& arrange
positive
consequences
Arrange
negative
consequences
Arrange
positive &
negative
consequences
Remove
obstacles
Training
Options
Mager Decision Tree
No
NoNo
Employee does not
know how to accomplish
the task safely.
Yes Yes
YesYes Yes
Employee does know
how to accomplish the
task safely.
Yes
Non-training
Options
No
A safety performance problem may not always be the result of a
training deficiency

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What's On-the-Job Training?
Step 1. Introduction. Tell the learner what you’re going to train. Emphasize the
importance of the procedure to the success of the production/service goals. Invite
questions. Emphasize accountability.
Step 2. Trainer show and tell. The trainer demonstrates the process. The trainer first
explains and demonstrates safe work procedures associated with the task. In this step the
learner becomes familiar with each work practice and why it is important.
Trainer: EXPLAINS and PERFORMS each step.
Learner: OBSERVES each step and QUESTIONS the trainer.
Step 3. Trainer ask and show. The learner explains the procedure to the trainer, while the
trainer does it. This gives the trainer an opportunity to discover whether there were any
misunderstandings in the previous step. This step also protects the learner because the
trainer still performs the procedure. The learner also responds to trainer questions.
Learner: EXPLAINS each step and RESPONDS to questions.
Trainer: PERFORMS each step and QUESTIONS the trainee.
Step 4. Trainee tell and show. The trainer has the trainee do it. The learner carries out
the procedure but remains protected because the learner explains the process before
proceeding to do it
Learner: EXPLAINS and then PERFORMS each step.
Trainer: OBSERVES each step and QUESTIONS the trainee.
Step 5. Conclusion. Recognize accomplishment. Reemphasize the importance of the
procedure. How it fits into the overall process. Tie the training again to accountability.
Step 6. Document. Training documentation should be more than an attendance sheet.
See the sample training certification document on the next page. It represents one possible
way to document training.

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If it isn't in writing…it didn't get done!
Make sure you document training is sufficient. Most safety training is conducted at
what is termed "level 2." This means that measurement of knowledge and skills must take place through
some sort of evaluation. Supervisors question to determine knowledge and observe to determine skills.
Training Subject ______________________ Date _________ Location _______________
Trainee certification. I have received on-the-job training on those subjects listed (see other side of
this sheet):
This training has provided me adequate opportunity to ask questions and practice procedures to determine
and correct skill deficiencies. I understand that performing these procedures/practices safely is a
condition of employment. I fully intend to comply with all safety and operational requirements
discussed. I understand that failure to comply with these requirements may result in progressive
discipline (or corrective actions) up to and including termination.
Employee Name Signature Date
________________________ ____________________________ _________
________________________ ____________________________ _________
________________________ ____________________________ _________
________________________ ____________________________ _________
________________________ ____________________________ _________
Trainer certification. I have conducted orientation/on-the-job training to the employees(s) listed
above. I have explained related procedures, practices and policies. Employees were each given
opportunity to ask questions and practice procedures taught under my supervision. Based on each
student's performance, I have determined that each employee trained has adequate knowledge and skills
to safely perform these procedures/practices.
________________________ ____________________________ _________
Trainer/Supervisor Name Signature Date
Reviewed by:
________________________ ____________________________ _________
Safety Coordinator Signature Date
Supervisor Validation. On ______________ I observed the above named employees using the safety
procedures and/or practices learned during this training session. They were able to correctly answer my
questions concerning these procedures and/or practices.
________________________ ____________________________ _________
Safety Coordinator Signature Date

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(Page 2 of certification) Sample Hazard Communication Training Outline
The following information was discussed with students:
Overview of the hazard communication program - purpose of the program
 Primary, secondary, portable, and stationary process container labeling requirements
 Discussion of the various sections of the MSDS and their location
 Emergency and Spill procedures
 Discussion of the hazards of the following chemicals to which students will be exposed
 Symptoms of overexposure
 Use/care of required personal protective equipment used with the above chemicals
 Employee accountability
__ ____________________________________________
__ ____________________________________________
The following procedures were practiced:
 Spill procedures
 Emergency procedures
 Personal protective equipment use
The following (oral/written) test was administered..(Or each student was asked the following
questions) (I recommend you keep these tests as attachments to the safety training plan and merely
reference it here to keep this document on one sheet of paper)
1. What are the labeling requirements of a secondary container? (name of chem. and hazard warning)
2. When does a container change from a portable to secondary container? (when employee loses control)
3. What are the symptoms of overexposure to ___________________? (stinging eyes)
4. Where is the "Right to Know" station (or MSDS station) located? (in the production plant)
5. What PPE is required when exposed to ________________? (short answer)
6. How do you clean the PPE used with ______________? (short answer)
7. What are the emergency procedures for overexposure to ______________? (short answer)
8. Describe spill procedures for ___________________. (short answer)
9. When should you report any injury to your supervisor? (immediately)
10. What are the consequences if you do not follow safe procedures with this chemical (injury, illness,
discipline)

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Provide Adequate Supervision4
List manager and supervisor activities that help to ensure effective
supervision is occurring daily in the workplace.
________________________________________________________________________
_
________________________________________________________________________
_
________________________________________________________________________
_
________________________________________________________________________
_
________________________________________________________________________
_
________________________________________________________________________
_
________________________________________________________________________
_
________________________________________________________________________
_
________________________________________________________________________
What’s the definition of “adequate” safety supervision?
The employer should see that workers are properly supervised in the safe operation of any machinery,
tools, equipment, process, or practice which they are authorized to use or apply. Every employer
should provide the health hazard control measures necessary to prevent employee exposure to harmful
or hazardous conditions. They should inform the employees regarding the known health hazards to
which they are exposed, the measures which have been taken for the prevention and control of such
hazards, and the proper methods for utilizing such control measures.
The employer should see that workers are properly supervised in the safe operation of any machinery,
tools, equipment, process, or practice which they are authorized to use or apply. Every employer
should provide the health hazard control measures necessary to prevent employee exposure to harmful
or hazardous conditions. They should inform the employees regarding the known health hazards to
which they are exposed, the measures which have been taken for the prevention and control of such
hazards, and the proper methods for utilizing such control measures.
The supervisor must detect and correct hazards before
they cause injury or illness to an employee.
The key to safety supervision is super...visionThe key to safety supervision is super...vision
Supervisors should provide adequate oversight of work

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John Smith
John’s
Co-workers
John’s family*
You, the
Supervisor
The
Company
Critical Decision Point:
Understanding the impact of safety leadership
*Wife & three
children
You are a busy first line supervisor. On Monday morning,
John Smith, a worker in the packaging department, walks into
your office with a concerned look on his face. He tells you
that his lower back is experiencing pain every time he lifts a
box. You’re busy and must quickly decide how to handle the
situation:
You thank John and tell him to get back to work; you will
handle the problem as soon as you can. After he leaves you
just shake your head and get back to the things you think “you
get paid to do.”
Tuesday afternoon, John suffers a severe injury to his back and must be admitted to the hospital for
possible surgery. It is determined that he has sustained a permanent partial disability to his lower
back which results in continual pain, and very limited range of motion.
What is the impact of your decision on...

19. © OSTN Safety and The Supervisor
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Enforce Safety Policies and Rules5
Employer Responsibilities
Every employer should do everything necessary or proper in order to hold employees accountable for
complying with safety policies and practices. The employer should take all reasonable means to require
employees to:
• work and act in a safe and healthful manner;
• conduct their work in compliance with all applicable safety and health rules;
• use all means and methods, including but not limited to, ladders, scaffolds, guardrails, machine
guards, safety belts and lifelines, that are necessary to safely accomplish all work where
employees are exposed to a hazard; and
• not to remove, displace, damage, destroy or carry off any safety device, guard, notice or warning
provided for use in any employment or place of employment while such use is required by
applicable safety and health rules.
Employees’ Responsibilities
Employees should conduct their work in compliance with the employer's safety policies and rules.
They should report all injuries immediately to the person in charge or other responsible representative
of the employer. The should warn other employees and report any hazards they see as soon as
possible to the appropriate party.
Employer Responsibilities
Every employer should do everything necessary or proper in order to hold employees accountable for
complying with safety policies and practices. The employer should take all reasonable means to require
employees to:
• work and act in a safe and healthful manner;
• conduct their work in compliance with all applicable safety and health rules;
• use all means and methods, including but not limited to, ladders, scaffolds, guardrails, machine
guards, safety belts and lifelines, that are necessary to safely accomplish all work where
employees are exposed to a hazard; and
• not to remove, displace, damage, destroy or carry off any safety device, guard, notice or warning
provided for use in any employment or place of employment while such use is required by
applicable safety and health rules.
Employees’ Responsibilities
Employees should conduct their work in compliance with the employer's safety policies and rules.
They should report all injuries immediately to the person in charge or other responsible representative
of the employer. The should warn other employees and report any hazards they see as soon as
possible to the appropriate party.
Supervisors should enforce safety rules.. Insist and never ignore.
The primary "Chain of Accountability"
The employer is accountable to the law and the employee
is accountable to the employer's safety policies and rules.

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W
hat does the
employer control?
What does the
employee control
Have I _________________________________________________________________?
Have I _________________________________________________________________?
Have I _________________________________________________________________?
Have I _________________________________________________________________?
Have I _________________________________________________________________?
Before a supervisor administers discipline to an employee for
failure to meet safety standards...
…what five questions should he or she first ask?
Accountability follows control

21. © OSTN Safety and The Supervisor
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Once you're justified, leadership demands action
If the supervisor can answer yes to the above self-searching questions, it's a good chance, he or she is
justified in disciplining the employee. Administering disciple is is actually a function of leadership
and when carried out appropriately, results in positive outcomes. Employee behaviors change as
desired and the working relationship between the employee and supervisor improves.
Keys to appropriate discipline
• Discipline is based on fact not feeling.
How can we make sure this is achieved? __________________________
• Consistent throughout the organization: top to bottom and laterally
• Applied only only after it's determined management has met obligations to employee
• Appropriate to the severity of the infraction and impact on the organization
Should employees, supervisors and managers all receive the same
disciplinary action for a given infraction? Why or why not.
Yes No Why? ____________________________________________________________
Motivation is key to effective discipline
The supervisor's motivation can make the difference between success and failure when
disciplining.
Which stated reason (motivation) below is more likely perceived as
leadership by the employee?
___ "I'm disciplining you because I have to…it's policy…If I don't I might get in trouble."
___ "I'm disciplining you because I want to…you're important…I don't want you to get hurt. I
want to make sure you understand I insist on safe performance."

22. © OSTN Safety and The Supervisor
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For Training Purposes Only
Best Practice: Regular Recognition
Regularly Recognize and Reward and you'll Rarely
have to Reprimand!
Although not mandatory, if you regularly recognize and reward, you'll rarely
have to reprimand.
Recognition acknowledges behavior/results. Attention or favorable notice. May not necessarily
increase the frequency of a performance. A form of intangible reward.
Reward is a positive recognition that increases desired behaviors. Any response to performance
that increases the frequency of that performance. Rewards may be tangible or intangible.
Incentives are promises of future recognition/reward for achieving desired performance.
Motivates workers to perform to get the recognition/reward.
Criteria for effective recognition:
• Must be soon - To make the tie between the performance and recognition stronger.
• Must be certain - Employees must know you will recognize… not a game. They must also
know the exact behavior for which they are being recognized.
• Must be significant - This is defined by those that receive the recognition/reward.
• Must be sincere - You really mean it. Done for the right reasons.
 What are appropriate safety behaviors to recognize and reward?
____________________________________________________________________
_
____________________________________________________________________
_
______________________________________________________________
 What inappropriate safety behavior do we most frequently recognize
and reward?
!
A very important supervisor leadership responsibility.

23. © OSTN Safety and The Supervisor
23
For Training Purposes Only
Let's review
1. What are five key safety responsibilities of the supervisor?
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
4. ________________________________________________________________________
5. ________________________________________________________________________
2. When does the real safety "education" occur?
_________________________________________________________________________________
3. What is the best training strategy to use for training hazardous work procedures?
_________________________________________________________________________________
4. Why is it important for the supervisor to insist on safety, not merely encourage it?
_________________________________________________________________________________
5. What three employee safety behaviors should always be recognized?
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
6. What should a supervisor ask him/herself before disciplining an employee for substandard
performance in safety?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________