Taking action for safety and health: Helping small businesses develop effective injury and illness prevention programs (IIPPs)

Background: Several state OSHA programs require employers to develop Injury and Illness Prevention Programs (IIPPs) that include management commitment to safety and involvement of employees in solving safety problems. California has had an IIPP standard since 1991. Federal OSHA is exploring a standard requiring IIPPs. In California, not having an IIPP is the most often cited Cal/OSHA violation among all businesses. Objectives: This presentation describes the activities and preliminary results of the Taking Action for Safety and Health program -- California's initiative to help small businesses create effective health and safety programs that meet the requirements of Cal/OSHA's IIPP standard. Attendees will be able to describe the role that key partners can play in promoting these programs and strategies for assisting small businesses comply with the IIPP standard. Methods: Project activities included creation of a partnership with key agencies and organizations to help guide the program; a needs assessment with small business owners; development and pilot testing of a training program and written materials; outreach to small businesses; and evaluation of the program's activities. Conclusions: Numerous studies have found that active workplace IIPPs lead to reduced rates of injury, higher efficiency, greater worker productivity, and lower costs. Most small businesses in California are still unaware of the IIPP requirement or how to develop and implement an effective program. Through its unique partnership of key government agencies and private organizations, the Taking Action for Safety and Health program is providing tools to small businesses that enable them to develop effective IIPPs.