10 Simple Tactics to Build a Culture of Safety
TO KEEP YOUR PEOPLE & YOUR PRODUCTS SAFE
Creating a Safety Culture is not about being the safety police, giving ultimatums or just hanging the required safety posters. It is about finding a common goal that the entire company can agree on.
Creating a safety culture means that all team members are included in the safety and health program. All employees are given the training and tools to recognize good and bad safety practices and feel comfortable advocating for their safety and the safety of those around them.
No matter what your safety emphasis is, you can build a strong safety culture and effect real change in your organization and team.
A strong safety culture requires:
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Time
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Communication
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Accountability
1.
Start a Safety Committee with Companywide Membership
If you have multiple departments or location, make sure your safety committee has representatives from each group. At Riekes, we have a Safety Committee with members from all of our locations who meet quarterly to discuss any safety concerns and resolve any issues. They also complete location walk-throughs to raise any safety concerns they see during their visit.Â
2.
Acknowledge Safety Concerns and Encourage Open Communication
All employees need to know how to raise issues and who is responsible for addressing safety concerns. Share this with every employee when they join the company and make it easy and comfortable for them to raise concerns.
Safety conversations can be uncomfortable, but it is better to have conversations about concerns before they cause an incident. Foster an environment where employees feel empowered to speak up about safety concerns without fear of retribution.
3.
Recognize Employees Whose Behaviors Promote Safety
Regardless of what you measure, recognizing teams that are putting safety as a focus, keeps safety top of mind. We have an employee of the month program where we recognize behaviors that support our core values and that foster safety.
4.
Build Knowledge and Skills Through Training
There are many classes and certifications that are required including forklift operator training and hoist & crane certifications, but a strong safety culture goes beyond that. Providing safety training/orientation and then continuing to make training available. We have a series of required safety courses and reward class completion with $100 to spend on something that keeps employees safer at work (steel toe boots etc).
5.
Set Safety Goals and Communicate them Companywide
It is important to keep safety in front of employees at every opportunity possible. Having a safety moment at the beginning of each meeting or putting safety slogans on company t-shirts communicates safety as a priority.Â
6.
Provide Adequate Resources and Equipment
Ensure that employees have access to the tools, equipment, and personal protective gear necessary to perform their jobs safely. Regular maintenance and inspections help prevent equipment failures and hazards.
7.
Follow up - Even When Not Taking Immediate Action
Nothing discourages participation more than a lack of follow-up on issues that are raised. Even if you need additional time or are unable to fully resolve the concern, communication and follow-up are key to encouraging all team members to share concerns and report near-misses.
8.
Empower Team Members to Stop Tasks They Feel are Unsafe
We all want employees to go home safely at the end of each day, but we cannot be everywhere to ensure every activity is being done safely. Make sure all team members feel empowered to not only stop a task that they feel is unsafe but that they can comfortably stop others who may be putting themselves at risk.
9.
Establish Clear Policies and Procedures
Comprehensive safety protocols provide employees with the guidance needed to navigate their work environments safely. Ensure policies are accessible, regularly updated and communicated companywide.
10.
Lead by Example
Safety starts at the top. Every team member, especially managers, should always take time for safety. If team members see unsafe activities, they assume that is acceptable. Leaders must embody the safety practices they expect from employees.
By implementing these strategies consistently and involving everyone in the process, you can cultivate a culture of safety that becomes ingrained in the fabric of your organization or community.