Every employer in Washington State is required to create a written Accident Prevention Program (APP) to address the safety and health hazards found in their workplace.
Your APP is the foundation of your overall safety and health program. It is based on the hazards you identify in your workplace and the safety methods you choose to manage those hazards. Your APP will help you document and organize your safety procedures.
An effective safety program engages workers. It ensures they are properly trained, receive ongoing training, participate in safety meetings or committees, and share their ideas and concerns to improve their workplace safety.
Your business may also need other safety programs based on your workplace hazards. Lodging properties with pools or hot tubs use hazardous chemicals and need a Hazard Communication Program. If you have groundskeepers, outdoor wait staff or other workers who work outside during warmer months, you may need to update your safety plan to address risks created by outdoor heat.
Wildfire smoke must be addressed in the employer’s written APP in workplaces where the employer should reasonably anticipate that employees may be exposed to wildfire smoke while working outside.
Identifying hazards is the first step to creating an APP. Resources from Labor & Industries, like the Job Hazard Analysis or the Workplace Hazard Basics course, are available to help you identify hazards and create your APP. Other L&I tools include program templates that require customizing to meet requirements.
Participants in the Washington Hospitality Association’s WorkSafe Retro program receive a comprehensive APP template, taking a lot of the stress out of creating a plan from the ground up. The association also provides assistance in customizing the plan for your business. A fresh set of eyes can often help identify potential job hazards. In certain circumstances, the WorkSafe team is available to come to your location and do a safety walkthrough with you.
WorkSafe participants also have access to a wide array of safety trainings, on topics ranging from ergonomics, workplace violence awareness, implementing your APP, and preventing slips, trips and falls. Our trainings are available virtually, and in person depending on the group size.
Additional Resources
Washington Hospitality Association
