Nexly Corporation - Employee Health & Safety Policy
1. Introduction & Commitment
This Employee Health & Safety Policy (the "Policy") reflects Nexly Corporation’s ("Nexly" or the "Company") unwavering commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. Located at 701 South Street Suite 100, Mountain Home, AR 72653, Nexly recognizes that the health and safety of its employees are paramount to its success. This Policy is designed to:
- Prevent Workplace Injuries and Illnesses: Identify and mitigate hazards to prevent injuries and illnesses.
- Comply with All Applicable Laws and Regulations: Comply with all federal, state, and local health and safety laws and regulations.
- Promote a Culture of Safety: Foster a culture where safety is a top priority and where all employees are actively involved in promoting a safe workplace.
- Provide a Safe and Healthy Work Environment: Provide a safe and healthy work environment, including maintaining clean and well-maintained facilities and equipment.
- Encourage Employee Participation: Encourage employee participation in health and safety programs and decision-making.
- Provide Training and Education: Provide employees with the necessary training and education to work safely.
- Ensure Prompt Incident Reporting and Investigation: Establish procedures for prompt reporting and thorough investigation of all workplace incidents.
- Address Physical and Mental Well-being: Recognize and support both the physical and mental well-being of our employees.
- Continuous Improvement: Continuously improve our health and safety performance.
This Policy applies to all Nexly employees and any other individuals (e.g., contractors, visitors) who are present at Company worksites or engaged in Company-related activities. This Policy is to be read in conjunction with other Company policies, including, but not limited to, the Emergency Response Plan, the Information Security Policy, and the Workplace Violence Prevention Policy.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of this Policy, the following definitions apply:
- Hazard: A condition or practice that could cause injury, illness, or damage.
- Incident: Any event that results in, or could have resulted in, an injury, illness, or property damage.
- Near Miss: An unplanned event that did not result in injury, illness, or property damage, but had the potential to do so.
- Workplace: Any location where Nexly employees perform work-related duties, including offices, job sites, remote work locations, and Company-sponsored events.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Serious Injury or Illness: Any injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, including hospitalization, loss of consciousness, or significant time away from work.
- Ergonomics: The science of designing the workplace to fit the worker, minimizing physical strain and promoting comfort.
3. Roles & Responsibilities
Ensuring a safe and healthy workplace is a shared responsibility. The following outlines the key roles and their responsibilities:
- 3.1. Board of Directors:
- Provides oversight of the Company's health and safety program.
- Approves the Employee Health & Safety Policy and reviews its effectiveness.
- Monitors the Company's safety performance and compliance with health and safety regulations.
- 3.2. Safety Committee (or designated safety representative): (If applicable, or alternatively, a designated senior management group)
- Develops and implements the Company's health and safety program.
- Conducts regular workplace inspections to identify hazards.
- Investigates workplace incidents and near misses.
- Develops and implements corrective actions.
- Provides recommendations for improving health and safety performance.
- The Safety Committee will be comprised of [Specify Members and their Titles, e.g., a representative from each department, a safety professional, and an employee representative. The committee will be led by the [Specify Title, e.g., Safety Manager or designee]. If the Company does not have a formal safety committee, a safety representative (e.g., a manager or designated employee) will fulfill these functions.
- 3.3. Chief Executive Officer (CEO):
- Provides overall leadership and direction for the Company's health and safety program.
- Demonstrates personal commitment to safety and encourages a safety culture.
- Ensures that adequate resources are provided to support the health and safety program.
- 3.4. Operations Manager (or equivalent):
- Ensures that the company provides a safe workplace, tools, and resources for employees to succeed.
- Provides appropriate safety equipment and training to employees.
- Works with the Safety Committee to manage company safety programs.
- 3.5. Supervisors and Managers:
- Responsible for creating a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.
- Ensure that employees are trained on safe work practices and procedures.
- Identify and correct workplace hazards within their areas of responsibility.
- Conduct regular inspections of their work areas.
- Enforce the Company's safety rules and regulations.
- Investigate and report workplace incidents and near misses.
- Provide leadership in a culture of safety.
- 3.6. All Employees:
- Follow all safety rules and regulations.
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
- Report any workplace hazards, incidents, or near misses to their supervisor or the Safety Committee (or designated safety representative).
- Participate in safety training and awareness programs.
- Offer feedback and suggestions for improving workplace safety.
- Take personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others.
- 3.7. Human Resources Department:
- Collaborates with the Safety Committee (or designated safety representative) to provide health and safety training.
- Maintains records of employee training and workplace incidents.
- Assists in the investigation of workplace incidents.
- Provides guidance on health and safety-related policies and procedures.
4. Hazard Identification and Control
Nexly Corporation is committed to identifying and controlling workplace hazards.
- 4.1. Hazard Identification:
- Workplace Inspections: Conducting regular workplace inspections to identify potential hazards. Inspections should be conducted by the Safety Committee (or designated safety representative), supervisors, and employees.
- Inspection Frequency: Inspections will be conducted at least [Specify Frequency, e.g., monthly or quarterly] or more frequently for high-hazard areas.
- Inspection Checklists: Using checklists to ensure that all potential hazards are considered.
- Job Hazard Analysis (JHA): Performing job hazard analyses (JHAs) to identify the hazards associated with specific job tasks.
- Incident Investigation: Investigating all workplace incidents and near misses to identify root causes and prevent future occurrences.
- Employee Reporting: Encouraging employees to report any workplace hazards they observe.
- Workplace Inspections: Conducting regular workplace inspections to identify potential hazards. Inspections should be conducted by the Safety Committee (or designated safety representative), supervisors, and employees.
- 4.2. Hazard Control: Implementing a hierarchy of controls to eliminate or minimize workplace hazards, prioritized as follows:
- Elimination: Eliminating the hazard altogether.
- Substitution: Replacing the hazardous substance or process with a less hazardous one.
- Engineering Controls: Implementing engineering controls, such as machine guarding, ventilation systems, and lockout/tagout procedures.
- Administrative Controls: Implementing administrative controls, such as safe work procedures, training, and warning signs.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing and requiring the use of appropriate PPE, such as safety glasses, gloves, and respirators.
5. Safety Training and Education
Nexly Corporation is committed to providing employees with the training and education necessary to work safely.
- 5.1. General Safety Training:
- New Employee Orientation: Providing all new employees with an orientation on the Company's health and safety policies and procedures.
- Annual Refresher Training: Providing annual refresher training on general safety topics.
- 5.2. Job-Specific Training:
- Task-Specific Training: Providing employees with training on the specific hazards associated with their job tasks and the safe work procedures to follow.
- Equipment Training: Providing training on the safe operation and maintenance of equipment.
- Training Documentation: Maintaining records of all employee training.
- 5.3. Emergency Preparedness Training: Employees will receive training on what to do in an emergency.
- Emergency Drills: Conduct regular emergency drills (fire drills, evacuation drills) to ensure that employees know how to respond in an emergency.
- 5.4. Training Delivery:
- Qualified Trainers: Training will be provided by qualified trainers.
- Training Materials: Training materials will be developed and maintained to reflect best practices.
6. Emergency Preparedness & Response
Nexly Corporation is committed to being prepared for emergencies.
- 6.1. Emergency Response Plan: Developing and maintaining an Emergency Response Plan that addresses potential emergencies, such as fires, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.
- Plan Review: The plan will be reviewed and updated regularly, at least [Specify Frequency, e.g., annually].
- Emergency Contact Information: A list of emergency contacts will be posted in a visible location and will be kept up-to-date.
- 6.2. Emergency Equipment: Ensuring that appropriate emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and emergency eyewash stations, is available and properly maintained.
- 6.3. First Aid and Medical Assistance: Providing first-aid training to employees and ensuring that first-aid supplies are readily available. Arrangements will be in place for contacting emergency medical services.
- First Aid Training: Provide and maintain a sufficient number of employees with first aid and CPR training.
- First Aid Stations: Identify first aid stations with required equipment.
- Procedures: Establish procedures for responding to medical emergencies.
- 6.4. Evacuation Procedures: Establishing evacuation procedures and conducting regular evacuation drills.
- Evacuation Routes: Clearly marked evacuation routes and assembly areas.
- Drills and Practices: Periodic evacuation drills and practices to familiarize all staff.
- 6.5. Communication: Establishing communication protocols to be used during an emergency, including procedures for notifying employees, contacting emergency services, and providing updates.
7. Workplace Incident Reporting & Investigation
Nexly Corporation will establish procedures for reporting and investigating workplace incidents and near misses.
- 7.1. Incident Reporting:
- Prompt Reporting: All workplace incidents and near misses must be reported promptly to the employee's supervisor or the Safety Committee (or designated safety representative).
- Reporting Procedure: The reporting procedure will be documented and communicated to all employees.
- Incident Report Forms: Employees will use a designated incident report form to report incidents.
- 7.2. Incident Investigation:
- Investigation Process: All workplace incidents and near misses will be investigated thoroughly to determine the root cause(s) and prevent future occurrences.
- Investigator(s): Investigations will be conducted by the supervisor, the Safety Committee (or designated safety representative), and/or other designated personnel.
- Investigation Steps: The investigation process will include:
- Securing the scene.
- Collecting information (e.g., interviewing witnesses, reviewing documents).
- Identifying the root cause(s).
- Developing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Implementing the corrective actions.
- Documentation: Documenting the incident investigation, including the findings, root cause(s), and corrective actions taken.
- 7.3. Recordkeeping: Maintaining records of all workplace incidents, near misses, and investigations.
8. Ergonomics and Workstation Safety
Nexly Corporation is committed to providing employees with ergonomically sound workstations to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
- 8.1. Workstation Assessments:
- Ergonomic Assessments: Conducting ergonomic assessments of workstations to identify and address potential ergonomic risk factors.
- Employee Participation: Involving employees in the ergonomic assessment process.
- Individual Needs: Addressing individual employee needs, such as providing adjustable chairs, monitor arms, and other ergonomic equipment.
- 8.2. Ergonomic Training: Providing employees with training on proper workstation setup, posture, and work practices.
- Training Content: Training will cover topics such as proper chair adjustment, monitor placement, keyboard and mouse positioning, and taking breaks.
- 8.3. Equipment and Modifications: Providing ergonomically designed equipment and making workstation modifications as needed.
- 8.4. Break Schedules: Encouraging employees to take regular breaks to stretch and move to prevent fatigue and injury.
9. Mental Health and Well-being
Nexly Corporation recognizes the importance of employee mental health and well-being.
- 9.1. Resources and Support:
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Providing access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential counseling and support services. [Specify EAP Provider and contact information].
- Mental Health Awareness: Promoting mental health awareness and providing resources for employees to access mental health services.
- 9.2. Flexible Work Arrangements (When Applicable): Considering flexible work arrangements to support employee well-being.
- 9.3. Open Communication: Encouraging open communication about mental health and well-being.
- 9.4. Anti-Stigma Initiatives: The Company is committed to eliminating any stigma around mental health issues, and offering a safe space for employees.
10. Policy Review & Amendments
This Employee Health & Safety Policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its continued effectiveness and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Review Frequency: This Policy will be reviewed at least [Specify Frequency, e.g., annually] or more frequently as needed, such as in response to changes in the Company's operations, the regulatory environment, or industry best practices.
- Review Process: The review process will involve:
- Input from Stakeholders: Seeking input from relevant stakeholders, including the Safety Committee (or designated safety representative), management, and employees.
- Legal and Regulatory Review: Reviewing the Policy to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local health and safety laws and regulations.
- Performance Evaluation: Assessing the effectiveness of the health and safety program, including the Company's incident rates and other safety performance metrics.
- Policy Amendments and Communication: Any amendments to this Employee Health & Safety Policy will be approved by [Specify Approving Authority, e.g., the Board of Directors or the Executive Leadership Team] and communicated to all employees through [Specify Communication Channels, e.g., company-wide email, intranet posting, training sessions]. All employees are responsible for being aware of and adhering to any changes.
- Policy Ownership: The Safety Committee (or designated safety representative), with support from the [Specify Department, e.g., Operations Department or Human Resources Department], is responsible for maintaining and updating this Policy.
11. Policy Accessibility
Nexly Corporation will make this Employee Health & Safety Policy readily accessible to all employees.
- Availability: This Policy will be readily accessible to all employees through:
- The Nexly Corporation Intranet at [Insert Intranet Link].
- The Company's Employee Handbook.
- Posted in a centralized location that is readily visible to all employees at [Specify Location, e.g., the break room or bulletin board].
- Upon request from the Safety Committee (or designated safety representative) or the Human Resources Department.
- Distribution: This Policy will be provided to all new employees during their onboarding process.
- Acknowledgment: Employees will be required to acknowledge that they have read and understood this Policy.
- Updates: All updates to this Policy will be communicated to employees through the established communication channels (e.g., email, intranet postings, training sessions, and staff meetings).
**Acknowledgement:** By accepting employment with Nexly Corporation, all employees are deemed to acknowledge and agree to support and abide by the terms and conditions outlined in this Employee Health & Safety Policy.