What’s harder, updating an existing program or creating one from scratch?
I’ve been on both ends and I’m starting to think that creating a new program is almost easier than updating an existing one. It definitely takes a little more legwork to get up and running, but I’ve found it’s a lot easier to train people on a new program, than try and retrain an updated one.
I’ve generally found that people are more receptive to new procedures and there’s more pushback on revised procedures.
Comments (7)
I think the same about the first sentence. even if I consider so essential to be able to choose all the most important points to deal with. So if you are sure to be able to do that it’s ok to create from scratch. If not, start with something already made.
I suggest using the old one then mold it to make it your own. It would be easier to follow during OSHA audit to follow that format. FYI.
I think it depends. I'd contend a revised PPE program is probably easier than, say, an entirely brand new/overhauled SMS. But I get it--the PPE program is just similar enough to the old one that people long for how it "used to be."
Updating an existing program; especially when it suuuuuuuucks. Having to get everyone on board with the changes, especially across multiple worksites/states is a nightmare.
It's so much easier to make a good program from scratch and get it implemented. I too find there is much less resistance!
"I too agree with the first sentence of the posting. "
What more point about starting over, over editing old, is that there are all kinds of templates for most policies, programs, and procedures. With WORD or other work processor, you got to change the the names, make sure it conforms to corporate or company policy and the law (OSHA or state plan), your local culture, and melds well with other policies, programs. I was fortunate that our Corporate EHS would mandate some policy or procedure. They would give us direction on the "musts" of the policy, and a couple templates, all you had to do then was edit one to your state and local culture.
Often I elect to add something new to whatever you already have, where the two subject overlap. I recently wrote a policy on "New Chemical or Substance Approval," for a client, The customer wanted it to be a stand alone policy. I advised to add it into or as an appendix to the Haz Comm Procedure. When training, "you can kill tow birds with one stone!"
One draw back is copyrights! Make sure you have permission to use other people's stuff! A good source is in the public domain like State Plans ( you can sue other states, Washington, Michigan, and Oregon have good ones, you edit standard #s if you are in a Fed State or other state). Your TPA or insurance WC companies are sometimes good sources. All Safety Pros help each other as well. A friend got in some real problems just using pictures and policies off the internet, so be careful!