Tips to Build a Strong Safety Culture at Work
Of late, the term “workplace culture” has become relevant. With tech giants like Google, Pixar, Facebook and others spending thousands of dollars on building the right workplace culture, it has indeed become a buzzword.
Workplace culture is nothing but the way how things are done at your workplace. The same applies to “Safety Culture.”
Instead, of referring to a particular set of written rules and regulations that determine your company’s safety policy, the safety culture is more emphasized on the attitudes, mindsets, and behavior of all your employees, when it comes to workplace safety.
“Building a strong and positive safety culture at work plays a crucial role in the success and efficiency of your safety program at work.”
Safety Culture – The Definition
A safety culture differs from a workplace safety program. A program has a start and end date. Whereas, culture is an environment, that seeps into every aspect of the organization. It’s more than a set of rules. In fact, the safety culture defines how things are handled in your organization from a safety perspective.
Safety and success are two sides of the same coin. One cannot exist without the other. The safety culture impacts the management of your business, everyday tasks and much more. It’s a vital part of the corporate set-up and must be developed along with your workplace culture.
Why the Safety Culture of an Organization Matters?
Let the numbers do the talking,
According to a white paper published in January 2012, by the OSHA, here are a few alarming statistics,
- More than 12 workers die on the job every single day – that’s over 4500 lives lost every single year
- More than 4.1 million workers suffer on-job injuries or other work-related illnesses every single year
If you think that these worldwide numbers do not matter to you, then you’re wrong. Even if you work for a small or medium business, the numbers remain the same and so are the workplace dangers.
Apart from dealing with workers’ compensation and legal tangles, workplace accidents impact the overall productivity levels. After all, a team cannot function as efficiently as before when a member is injured on the job suddenly. With a decline in productivity, your bottom line takes a hit.
Remember that “Safety plays an essential role in improving your profits and ultimately your overall business.”
What is NOT the Definition of Safety Culture?
A safety culture is not just a set of policies and other programs on safety. For instance, you may organize an Accident Prevention Training program for your employees once a quarter. While this program is an essential part of your workplace safety, it alone doesn’t make up your “Safety Culture.”
While tools like safety audits, quality control inspections are a regulatory necessity, they are just part of the whole picture. Remember that tools alone don’t constitute a safety culture. It’s much more than that.
Don’t be Reluctant to Embrace Safety Culture at Work
Very often, business owners are reluctant to take the first step. They find it daunting and overwhelming because they have fallen into a pattern of complacency. This has a severe impact. Complacency is catastrophic and could lead to injuries, accidents, illnesses and even death at the workplace.
Never let complacency put your Safety Culture on the backburner.
Here are six tips from Totalika, which pave the path for establishing a positive safety culture at your workplace:
- Communication is Key
A simple but highly effective way to improve the safety of your workplace is to develop the communication channels with your employees. Start by holding weekly or monthly safety talks. Increase worker participation by asking them to lead the talks. Get their feedback and make them feel involved.
Make sure that all the safety policies of your workplace are readily available. Make it available digitally on your company’s website, so all stakeholders get to know of your efforts. Additionally, print out copies of safety policies and warnings and display them prominently at several places around your workplace.
This serves as a conscious reminder to your employees on the safety rules and regulations.
- Train your Employees in Safety
When you train your employees on the latest safety principles, you’re sending a strong signal that you’re committed to safety. Also, when your employees undergo the right training, they are more ready to embrace safety culture. This is because once the training illuminates workplace hazards; they are more likely to focus on the right safety techniques.
Click here to conduct a tailored training session for your employees from Totalika. Once training is over, make sure to review key messages from the courses to reinforce what was learned.
- Set an Example
You would have heard the saying, “Actions speak better than Words.” When your employees see that the management is dedicated to safety, they are bound to follow suit. Remember that a safety culture at work is possible only when your employees get involved.
Safety is not talking the talk. It’s about Walking the Walk.
- Set up a Reporting Process
Make sure that you encourage employees to safety hazards by providing incentives for those who report. A positive safety culture is easier to develop when employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns.
- Get all Hands Onboard
Maintaining a safety culture is possible only when all your employees get involved. Right from the top management to factory floor workers, everyone should feel proud and happy to be included in the process. Get their feedback, opinions to make them feel a part of the process.
- Have a Dedicated Safety Manager
Having trained personnel on the campus plays a crucial role in putting the safety culture into action. It demonstrates that you’re serious about the task.
Do you need help getting started?
Here at Totalika, we provide you with expert assistance on all aspects of workplace safety. Click here to check out the array of services offered by us. If you have any further questions or need a customized safety program just for you, call +91-124-661-3137/+91-124-266-3021 to speak to Health and Safety expert from our team.
