When developing a safety and health program, where should one begin?

Beginning with low-cost elements when developing a safety and health program is a strategic approach that allows for immediate implementation and demonstration of commitment to safety. This approach often includes reviewing existing processes, policies, and practices that can be improved without significant financial investment. By addressing these areas first, you can create a foundation of safety culture within the organization and build momentum for more substantial changes later.

Additionally, starting with low-cost initiatives allows you to allocate funds more effectively for higher-cost elements down the line. It enables you to assess the effectiveness of initial changes and gather support from stakeholders, which can be crucial for securing funding for more expensive safety measures. This method prioritizes practical improvements and creates a tangible impact quickly, thereby enhancing employee morale and buy-in for the overall program.

In contrast, initiating the program with the most expensive elements could lead to wasted resources if foundational issues are not addressed first. Focusing immediately on employee training programs or purchasing new equipment may overlook underlying safety culture and procedural issues that need to be resolved before additional investments.