Rancho Mesa's Alyssa Burley and Associate Account Executive Jack Marrs talk about the first few components of the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan.

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Director/Host: Alyssa Burley

Guest: Jack Marrs

Producer/Editor: Lauren Stumpf

Music: “Home” by JHS Pedals, “News Room News” by Spence

Transcript

[Introduction Music]

Alyssa Burley: Hi! This is Alyssa Burley with Rancho Mesa’s Media Communications and Client Services Department. Thank you for listening to today’s top Rancho Mesa news brought to you by our safety and risk management network, StudioOne™. Welcome back, everyone. My guest is Jack Marrs, Associate Account Executive with Rancho Mesa. He specializes in Risk Management for Human Services Organizations. And today, we're going to talk about the first few components of the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan. Jack, welcome to the show.

Jack Marrs: Thanks for having me, Alyssa.

AB: All right, Jack. So, is this the first time that you're recording in the new studio?

JM: Yes, it is. This is the first one in the new studio, and it looks great. And I'm sure you guys are extremely excited about it as well.

AB: Yeah, it's exciting. All right. So let's get into the IIPP. So the Injury and Illness Prevention Plan, also known as IIPP, is a document that outlines how organizations implement safety. And I know that Sam Brown has previously discussed that IIPP, but let's talk about the first few components. So, what are the three areas that an organization should address when customizing their IIPP?

JM: The first three are assigning a person responsible for creating the IIPP, creating a system ensuring employees comply with safety regulations, and ensuring effective communication.

AB: All right. So, let's dig into the person responsible for maintaining and creating the IIPP. Who should that person be and what kind of attributes should this person possess?

JM: This person needs to understand the ins and outs of the organization. They should be familiar with the current workplace hazards and understand what safety measures need to be put in place. They also are in charge of updating the program and improving it as the organization changes and grows.

AB: Okay, so the IIPP outline is the system for ensuring employees comply with safety and healthy work practices. What kind of things should be in the IIPP to ensure compliance?

JM: To start it off, I'd say properly training your employees. Employees need to understand the new system that is put into place, as well as the safety procedures and the requirements of the IIPP. Also, it's always a good idea to provide positive recognition and rewarding your employees who are following the IIPP guidelines as well as including disciplinary measures for those who are failing to comply. This is how you begin to create a culture of safety and accountability.

AB: All right. So, how important is effective communication?

JM: Communication is crucial, especially on matters that relate to the Injury Illness Prevention Program. Employees should be trained on how to properly communicate in a way that is easily understood by everyone. Also, employees should feel comfortable providing input, sharing concerns and offering suggestions for the effectiveness of the IIPP, as well as holding their coworkers to the IIPP standard. Remember, effective communication can help prevent injuries from happening in the first place.

AB: Absolutely, and I think this is a great document to outline and just solidify what those expectations are so everybody is familiar. So Jack, if listeners have questions about their IIPP, what’s the best way to get in touch with you?

[Outro music]

JM: I can be reached at (619)486-6569 or my email, which is Jmarrs@ranchomesa.com.

AB: Jack, thank you for joining me in Studio One!

JM: Thanks for having me, Alyssa.

AB: This is Alyssa Burley with Rancho Mesa. Thanks for tuning in to our latest episode produced by StudioOne™. For more information visit us at ranchomesa.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.