Imagine a workplace where everyone is fully committed to safety, where rules and protocols aren’t just words on a page, but a way of life. That’s the power of a robust safety culture, and no safety program can thrive without it.
So, how do you create this culture? It starts at the top. Leaders must champion safety and make it a priority. It should be woven into key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability.
The safety department should be proactive – anticipating accidents and implementing preventive measures. They should constantly analyze and refine existing processes to keep everyone safe. (Learn more about what a safety manager actually does here.)
But a safety culture isn’t just about the safety department. Everyone in the company plays a role. In order to get people on board, several things should be put into place.
Clear safety goals and a plan to achieve them should be communicated clearly throughout the organization. Every team member should be involved and invested in the plan.
Safety training is crucial, and it should be required and interesting for all employees. It should be accessible, considering all cultural and language differences.
Consistent communication is key, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and confusion is avoided. There should be clear communications channels, digital or otherwise, and a clear chain of command. Leadership should be one voice, employees shouldn’t be confused by contradicting voices.
Accountability and incentivization are a must. No one is above safety standards, and violations should be addressed equitably. At the same time, team members who adhere to standards and call out unsafe practices should be recognized and rewarded.
Empowerment is vital. All team members should feel empowered to stop work if they deem it unsafe, and they should also be encouraged to intervene if they see others engaging in risky behavior. Safety should always come first, even if it means adjusting project timelines.
Strong investigations and reporting are essential. Every accident, incident, and near-miss should be thoroughly investigated to identify potential risks and prevent future incidents.
Lastly, a strong safety culture should be celebrated and rewarded. A record without accidents and proactive behaviors should be acknowledged regularly.
Creating a strong safety culture is more than just ticking boxes. It requires commitment, communication, empowerment, and a shared responsibility for the safety of all. Once everyone is fully invested, the workplace becomes a safer and more enjoyable environment for all.
- https://www.onsitesafety.com/safety-articles/top-10-ways-to-build-a-great-safety-culture
