Safety in Position Descriptions (PDs) & Performance Appraisals

Our recent statewide safety perception survey indicates that safety is not effectively addressed during the performance appraisal process. In fact, it was the lowest scoring statement in the statewide survey! 

Workplace safety and a strong safety culture are essential for organizations and team members to achieve their mission. In order to ensure safety is ingrained in the organization’s culture, consider adding or strengthening safety language in position descriptions and the performance appraisal process.

Safety Sensitive vs Non-Safety Sensitive Position

Adding safety language can be accomplished by evaluating each position and categorizing them as “safety sensitive” or “non-safety sensitive.” 

A safety sensitive position is one in which hazards associated with job tasks can affect the safety of the employee or others. The frequency of tasks performed, and the potential injury severity should guide you in determining if a position is safety sensitive. Non-safety sensitive positions have a low exposure to hazards and a low expected injury severity should they occur.

Safety sensitive position descriptions and the performance appraisal forms should include a dedicated workplace safety section.

Guide and Sample Language Available

Please check out our MnSAFE Resource page for the recently published Safety in Position Descriptions and Appraisals guide. The document highlights the differences between safety sensitive and non-safety sensitive positions and provides example language that you can incorporate into PDs and performance appraisals.

Next Steps

Please share this message with your human resource and labor relations teams and begin the process of incorporating or strengthening safety in your organization’s position descriptions and performance appraisal process.