Curious about what a collateral duty safety officer does? Wondering where you can get collateral duty safety officer training? You’re in the right place.
You’ve probably got a few questions. And we certainly have some answers.
What Is a Collateral Duty Safety Officer (CDSO)?
In short, the CDSO is appointed by local management. This employee assists in implementing all aspects of the safety program. This individual works directly with safety committees and specialists. Their efforts combine to maximize safety and keep the work environment a healthy one.
It’s perhaps tempting to assign this as a part-time job. Or even an add-on job. Some attempt to fulfill the role. But often, an employee will feel saddled with this rather giant task. Worse, they don’t have the knowledge and background required. They can’t handle things effectively. They feel overwhelmed.
The Ongoing Problem with CDSOs
The responsibilities (listed below) are being divided up among workers. They’re frequently part-time gigs that come without extra resources in the form of time, budget, necessary training, or assistance. Workers are finding it difficult to give adequate time to safety regulations and policies. This is hard to do while performing their full-time responsibilities.
Decide to do it the right (and safest) way. Use safety consulting services like Safety by Design to get your CDSO on the right track. We offer an abundance of services that can help you. We know OSHA inside and out. We’ve made it our business to make sure you’re compliant and safe.
Responsibilities of a CDSO
We hope this gives you a better understanding of the CDSO role. Here’s a list of responsibilities for your collateral duty safety officer:
- They assist company managers, supervisors, and even regional managers in implementing safety programs.
- They assist supervisors. They assure every accident/incident is investigated and reported properly and timely.
- They must be familiar with safety and health standards. They must be an active part of maintaining these regulations and sticking to policy.
- They must keep an updated list of technical contacts and websites.
- They must apply the necessary skills. They implement elements of planning, organizing, and managing safety programs within their company.
- They must conduct routine facility inspections in accordance with their training. They should be skilled in the knowledge necessary to perform thorough inspections of work sites and hazard exposure.
- They must extend appropriate actions when correcting deficiencies based on their inspection findings.
- They must provide their inspection information to management and safety teams. These groups can then take steps to further correct safety deficiencies.
- They must serve as a member of the safety and health committee and attend meetings when appropriate.
- They must coordinate and conduct safety and health training, addressing potential hazard exposure.
- They must attend safety/health management and technical training. They must remain proficient in CDSO responsibilities. This might include meetings, seminars, and courses.
- They are responsible for developing a system that ensures timely distribution of all safety materials. These materials could include posters, bulletins, etc.
- They are responsible for providing a channel of communication between employees and management. They assist management in creating a safe and healthy work environment.
- They must communicate with any regional managers as well. Periodic meetings and calls ensure safety systems are in place and operating smoothly.
Please refer to official OSHA and regional/state documentation as well.
Where to Get Collateral Duty Safety Officer Training
Before we go there, consider this. First, what kind of training does your CDSO need? There are a variety of programs. Here’s a brief list:
- Asbestos Control
- Backcountry Safety
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Confined Space Entry
- Electrical Safety
- Emergency Action Plan
- Ergonomics
- Fall Protection
- Fire Prevention Plan
- Hazard Communication
- Lead Control
- Machine Guarding
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Safety Requirements for Scaffolding
- Respiratory Protection
- Tree Felling Operations
- Trenches and Excavations
- Vehicle Safety
And the list continues! Contact Safety by Design today for more information about what your CDSO needs. Help equip them to handle the challenges they’ll face. Training is a proactive way to ensure your company and its employees are the top priority.
Contact Safety by Design for Your Safety Training Needs
Don’t put off collateral duty safety officer training any longer! Bottom line? Your CDSO plays a vital role in your company. They should be knowledgeable individuals who understand your daily operations. They need to maintain healthy and clear communication with employees and management. They are your go-between workers. The balance and flow they create make your workers and the tasks they carry out safer and healthier.
Use our safety training in Houston today! Keep safety and health primary focuses in your workplace. Your workers know when they’re properly trained. Reach out to us now. You can give your employees confidence in their abilities and proficiency. And we can help with that.
