Nebraska Safety Plans: What you need to know

Nebraska does not have a federally approved occupational safety and health regulatory program for the state; therefore, private sector workplaces must comply with federal occupational safety and health standards for safety plans.

Private and public (state and local government) sector employers that are subject to workers’ compensation rules must develop and implement a written injury prevention program.

Federal OSHA administers and enforces federal workplace safety and health requirements in private sector workplaces in the state. The NE Department of Labor administers the injury prevention program requirements for private and public sector employers.

Each employer must develop and implement a written injury prevention program (Program) that addresses all worksites and all classes of workers. The Program must be administered by the safety committee, and must approach each category of workplace danger with the intention of totally preventing workplace injuries, if feasible. The safety committee may adopt an employer-sponsored Program or develop its own.

Concerning safety training, the Program must include:

• Initial safety orientation on rules, policies, and job-specific procedures for employees new to the work in a manner that is readily understood by each employee
• Job-specific training for employees before they perform potentially dangerous work
• Refresher training annually, at a minimum

The primary consideration for determining the Program effectiveness is if it results in reduction or elimination of accidents. Further consideration will be effective preventive measures, documentation, and constant response to ...