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Policies and Procedures

Overview

What are Policies and Procedures?

Policies and procedures go hand-in-hand but are not interchangeable.

A policy is a set of general guidelines that outline the organization’s plan for tackling an issue. Policies communicate the connection between the organization’s vision and values and its day-to-day operations.

A procedure explains a specific action plan for carrying out a policy. Procedures tells employees how to deal with a situation and when.

Most SGBs adopt a casual approach to day-to-day operations as they have few employees and find it unnecessary to develop safety manuals and written policies. Due to the nature of operations and number of employees in dynamic growth and venture enterprises, these policies provide useful direction for managers and staff working towards the same goal of a healthy and accident-free workplace.

A robust policy establishes an SGB approach to employment, health, and safety matters, affirming commitment to preventing harm, and helps to promote safe working practices. Utilizing both policies and procedures during decision-making ensures that employers are consistent in their decisions. Internal policies and procedures, therefore lead to better outcomes in business

  1. Policies provide useful direction for managers and staff working towards the same goal Formal policies and procedures save time and stress when handling HR issues. The absence of written policies results in unnecessary time and effort spent trying to agree on a course of action. With strict guidelines already in place, employees simply have to follow the procedures and managers just have to enforce the policies.
  2. Policies and procedures establish a coherent approach to SGB employment, health, and safety matters, affirming commitment to preventing harm, and helps to promote safe working practices
  3. Utilizing both policies and procedures during decision-making ensures that employers are consistent in their decisions. They communicate the values and vision of the organization, ensuring employees understand exactly what is expected of them in certain situations.
  4. Internal policies and procedures lead to better outcomes in business. Regardless of your organization’s size, developing formal policies and procedures can make it run much more smoothly and efficiently.
  1. Lack of policies can lead to non-compliance. Formal policies and procedures help to ensure your company complies with relevant regulations. They also demonstrate that organizations are efficient, professional and stable. This can lead to stronger business relationships and a better public reputation.
  2. Lack of policies and procedures result into incoherent employment and safety processes that do not promote safety at work
  3. Inconsistent decision making by employers which can have negative implications to the business due to lack of policies and procedures
  4. Injuries and incidents not reported and therefore no corrective measures will be taken

Documenting E&OHS Policies and procedures

System documentation provides, not only the proof that the system is in place, but the review and understanding of the documentation provides for...

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