Passage 32

Industrial safety does not just happen. Companies with low

accident rates plan their safety programs, work hard to organise them, and continue working to keep them alive and active. When the work is well done, a climate of accident-free operations is established where time lost due to injuries is kept at a minimum.

Successful safety programs may differ greatly in the emphasis placed on certain aspects of the program. Some place great emphasis on mechanical guarding. Others stress safe work practices by following rules or regulations covering working conditions. Still others depend on an emotional appeal to the worker. But, there are certain basic ideas that must be used in every pro-gram if maximum results are to be obtained.

Every plant needs a safety program designed for its specific need. Surveys have shown that the highest injury frequency rates are often found in the medium-sized plants, those with from 50 to 500 employees. Somewhat better rates are often found in small plants, fewer than 50 employees. Large plants, with 500 or more employees, tend to have the best rate. However, the need for a safety plan exists regardless of size.

Small companies, because of their closer relationship between management and worker, can conduct an accident prevention program with a few organisational details. Such a program can usually operate with a part-time safety director.

There can be no question about the value of a safety program. From a financial standpoint alone, safety pays off. The fewer the injury claims, the better the workmen's insurance rate. This may mean the difference between operating at a profit or at a loss.

There are other intangible benefits. Operating costs can be reduced because of less damage to equipment and product. Production increases because people can work without the fear of injury. These are tangible benefits that make everyone happy.

Less tangible benefits are a direct result of a successful safety program. A plant with a poor accident record does not attract or hold the best workers. On the other hand, a clean, safe plant creates the climate where good work habits can be cultivated. A safety program will help to attract good workers and to conserve their skills. A safe plant is a well-organised plant that soon becomes known as a good place to work. Management's attitudetoward its workers is seen in such a plant. And the result is good public relations.

The author describes a safe plant as one with .
1. lowest accident rates.
2. positive management activities.
3. flexible scheduling.
4. advanced production concepts.
The author implies that .
1. plant safety occurs naturally from careful work.
2. many factories are unwilling to try safety programs.
3. accident-free operations must be well planned.
4. low accident rates will help plants to make more money.
The author suggests that large plants .
1. cannot possibly avoid high accident rates.
2. are more aware of safety needs.
3. regard safety as an outgrowth of strict discipline.
4. post safety regulations at all building exits.
This passage could be titled .
1. Increasing Production Through Safety.
2. Improving Working Conditions.
3. Mechanical Safety Procedures in Plants.
4. Awareness of Safety in All Plants.
We can conclude that .
1. safety must be achieved even at the expense of production.
2. the federal government pays for many safety programs.
3. safety programs are beneficial to plants of all sizes.
4. products reflect the cost of safety programs.