Dekra Organizational Safety and Reliability announces the release of its...
Dekra Organizational Safety and Reliability announces the release of its new exposure reduction model, representing a new, systemic approach to reducing workplace hazards. Drawn from Dekra OSR's 30-plus years of experience in saving lives and reducing injuries in the workplace, the model identifies seven core elements that are key to reducing, controlling and determining the level of safety exposure in an organization. The model proposes that these elements are interdependent and a change to one will either positively or negatively affect one or more of the other elements.
Exposure is a critical concept in safety because it determines the level of injuries and accidents. The lower the exposure, the safer the work environment.
"Safety only improves if you reduce exposure. Reducing exposure requires tackling the direct and indirect system causes. The exposure reduction model explains why some exposures are stubborn and seemingly resistant to reduction,” said Don Groover, senior vice-president, Dekra OSR.
Dekra OSR encourages organizations to examine the seven exposure reduction elements to understand their impact on exposure and the relationship of exposure to safety outcomes. Leaders should understand that the level of exposure in an organization reflects conditions that have made that level of exposure acceptable. To reduce that level of exposure, leadership must clearly spearhead exposure reduction efforts, demonstrating by actions and behaviours their commitment to creating a safer work environment, said Dekra.
“Understanding the unique elements that impact exposure and how they interact is key to successfully getting on the path of continuous safety improvement,” said Ted Apking, president, Dekra.
