Illness and Injury Prevention

Every employer is required to establish, implement and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that should be the centerpiece of your safety program. It must be in writing. The specific requirements are included in Section 3203 of Subchapter 7 (General Industry Safety Orders) of Title 8, CCR.

Your written IIPP must, at a minimum:

• Identify the person or persons responsible for implementing your program.
• Include a system to ensure employee compliance.
• Include a system for effective communication with employees, including a means for employees to inform the employer of hazards at the worksite without fear of reprisal.
• Include procedures for identifying and evaluating workplace hazards, including periodic inspections.
  Include a procedure to investigate occupational injuries or illnesses.
• Include a system to correct unsafe or unhealthy conditions, practices, or procedures in a timely manner.
• Provide safety training and instruction to employees.
• Establish an effective documentation and recordkeeping system.

The exact format for this required document is not specified in the regulations. You may address the required elements in any fashion you choose.