Do you have questions about Accident Prevention Programs (APPs)? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to find answers to all of your APP questions. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions related to Accident Prevention Programs so everything you need to know is all in one place.

What is an Accident Prevention Program?

An Accident Prevention Program is a program designed to address the safety and health hazards found in the workplace.

Who needs an Accident Prevention Program?

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. Many employers consider their APP as their cornerstone safety program.

What are the minimum requirements of an Accident Prevention Program?

According to WAC 296-800-140, your responsibility is to establish, supervise and enforce an accident prevention program (APP) that is effective in practice. (You may call this your total safety and health plan.)

The minimum requirements for an Accident Prevention Program are:

• Develop a formal, written accident prevention program
• Develop, implement and enforce safety orientations
• Develop, implement and enforce safety training and practices
• Identify hazards and utilize proper reporting procedures
• Ensure your accident prevention program is effective in practice
• Work towards continuous improvement

What does an Accident Prevention Program consist of?

All Accident Prevention Programs are unique and tailored to each individual business based on their operations and the potential hazards that employees may encounter.

A general APP may consist of the following:

• A description of the accident prevention program.
• A formal written accident prevention program.
• A safety orientation and a safety committee.
• Basic safety rules that all employees must follow.
• Information about how and when to report injuries and where first aid facilities are located.
• Information about how to report unsafe conditions and practices.
• Instructions about what to do in an emergency (such as a fire or earthquake emergency) including how to exit the workplace.
• Information about how to identify hazardous chemicals used at this location.
• Information about the use and care of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• On-the-job training about what employees need to know to perform their job safely.
• Information about the Safety Committee and Safety Meetings.
• An employer is required to have a Safety Committee if they have 11 employees or more.
• A floor plan of the workplace.

What is the first step to creating an Accident Prevention Program?

Identifying hazards! Adult Family Homes who need help identifying hazards can use the Job Hazard Analysis or the Workplace Hazard Basics courses found on the L&I Online Safety Training page. Another option to help identify hazards is to schedule a free L&I on-site safety consultation. Always remember, an APP will help employers prevent costly workplace injuries and keep workers safe and healthy.

Is there a sample Accident Prevention Program (APP) I can use as a template?

Yes! Go to adultfamilyhomecouncil.org/safety-manual to view and download The Adult Family Home Council Safety Manual. This safety manual includes a customizable Accident Prevention Program template for your Adult Family Home.

*Note: There are two versions of the safety manual. One for homes that have all-staff safety meetings and another for homes that have a safety committee instead. Make sure you download the correct manual.

Is an Accident Prevention Program the only safety program my business needs to have?

Depending on the hazards in your workplace, you may also need to create additional safety programs such as a Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan or a Chemical Hazard Communication Plan.

Go to adultfamilyhomecouncil.org/safety-manual to download The Adult Family Home Council Safety Manual which includes customizable safety templates such as a Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan, a Chemical Hazard Communication Plan, a Respiratory Protection Program and more.

For more information about Washington State Labor and Industries’ Safety Programs & Plans, go to lni.wa.gov/safety-health/preventing-injuries-illnesses/create-a-safety-program/sample-safety-programs-plans.

How often do I need to update my Accident Prevention Program?

Accident Prevention Programs need to be “living plans” and updated as changes occur in your business (new equipment, new processes, etc.).

Does my business need to have a Safety Committee?

A Safety Committee is required for employers with 11 employees or more (at the same location and on the same shift). Your Safety Committee should have regularly scheduled meetings.

Employee Safety Meetings are an option for employers with 11 employees or more who are segregated on different shifts or work in widely dispersed locations in crews of 10 or less or for employers with less than 11 employees.

How much does Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Safety and Health consultations cost?

L&I Safety and Health consultations are free! L&I’s Consultation Program offers confidential, no-fee, professional advice and assistance to Washington businesses. These services can help you find and fix hazards in your workplace and strengthen your safety program. It’s okay to ask L&I for help with your safety requirements.

Safety or Industrial Hygiene consultants provide assistance with building your safety program, training, identifying and controlling hazards, and following applicable safety rules. No fines or penalties will result from issues uncovered during a consultation. However, consultants will ask you to correct any serious issues and offer assistance.

To request a free L&I consultation, go to lni.wa.gov/safety-health/preventing-injuries-illnesses/request-consultation.

What are the benefits of requesting an L&I consultation?

An L&I consultation can help your business:

• Stay compliant with WISHA rules
• Implement best practices
• Create and maintain an effective safety program
• Keep worker’s comp premiums as low as possible
• Prevent hidden costs of workplace injury claims

L&I recommendations help your business create a safer and healthier work environment and can enhance job performance and productivity.

Where should I go if I need more information about Accident Prevention Programs?

Visit the L&I Accident Prevention Program webpage at lni.wa.gov/safety-health/preventing-injuries-illnesses/create-a-safety-program/accident-prevention-program to learn more about APPs.

This blog is part of the Adult Family Home Industry Worker Safety Awareness Training Program created by the Adult Family Home Council, Long-Term Care Foundation of Washington State and PIM Savvy. Program funding and support for this project has been provided by the state of Washington, Department of Labor & Industries, Safety & Health Investment Projects.