Final answer:
Employers can demonstrate commitment to effective health and safety management systems by issuing safety memos, allocating resources for safety measures and training, and integrating safety into all business decisions. These methods align with OSHA requirements and studies showing the effectiveness of organizational training.
Step-by-step explanation:
To demonstrate commitment in developing and maintaining effective workplace health and safety management systems, employers/managers can utilize several methods. Among the options provided, issuing periodic safety memos to employees (A) and allocating adequate resources for safety measures and training (C) are practices that show commitment to safety. Issuing safety memos keeps employees informed about safety protocols and alerts them to any changes or updates. Allocating adequate resources ensures that training, equipment, and measures are in place to protect workers' health and safety. Providing safety training only to designated safety officers (B) and excluding safety considerations in decision-making processes (D) do not demonstrate a commitment to a comprehensive safety management system, as all employees need to be involved and safety should be integrated into all business decisions.
According to OSHA, employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace and to inform and train workers about potential hazards. Furthermore, resources like safety equipment should be provided at no cost to workers, and medical tests such as hearing exams might be required. These actions are part of a broader requirement for employers to ensure that their workplaces are free of serious recognized hazards, in accordance with the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act.
Studies, such as the one by Arthur, Bennett, Edens, and Bell in 2003, have shown that organizational training is effective in enhancing safety. Training should be in a language and vocabulary that employees can understand, and it should result in behavioral changes and improved safety outcomes. The safety engineer's example underlines the importance of understanding and following safety instructions to prevent industrial accidents.
To summarize, to effectively demonstrate commitment to health and safety, employers should engage in proactive measures such as regular communication, comprehensive training, and ensuring that safety is a core component of all organizational activities.