10 Ways to Create a Culture of Safety in the Workplace

A culture of safety in the workplace goes beyond recognizing and avoiding hazards. Yes, you can implement the required workplace safety measures … but without engaged employees, you’ll find that your safety measures aren’t as successful as they could be.

Building a culture of safety will improve the effectiveness of your workplace safety program – reducing injuries and illness and creating a safe environment for your employees.

What is a Safety Culture? 

A safety culture is a reflection of the attitudes, beliefs, perceptions and values that employees share in relation to safety. These attitudes have the power to shape behavior.  It’s built on an environment that values positive work attitudes, involvement of the workforce, respect for meaningful and measurable health improvement goals, and clear policies and procedures that serve as reference tools. 

Employee engagement is a key component of workplace safety … but one of the most difficult components to achieve. You can implement safety policies and procedures, but without full employee engagement, your safety program won’t be able to reach its full potential. 

In a safe workplace culture, each employee must accept personal responsibility for ensuring their own safety and health while also taking responsibility for the protection and safety of others. Engaged employees don’t just wear the required safety equipment and follows safety procedures – they take responsibility for their actions, help protect other employees and help improve the overall safety procedures. 

How Can You Engage Employees? 

What engages employees will differ from organization to organization, but there are some tactics that will apply to all workplaces:

1. Commit to safety on all levels – management must buy-in!
2. Set a clear safety goal … and reward your team when you meet your goal.
3. Reduce competing priorities – make safety the most important priority
4. Encourage two-way communication and listen to feedback.
5. Involve employees in policy development.
6. Provide regular training and information.
7. Create a safety committee.
8. Ask for feedback.
9. Create an easy incident reporting system.
10. Provide ongoing support, reinforcement and reassessment.

Building a culture of safety takes time.  But once you reach your goal, you’ll notice a huge improvement in your safety programs, with fewer incidents, higher productivity and increased staff morale.

Interested in building a health and safety program? We can help! Contact us today for health and safety consulting.

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About F.A.S.T. Rescue

F.A.S.T. Rescue are health and safety experts offering consulting, supplies and training solutions that help make employees safe in the workplace.  We’re passionate about health and safety, offering unrivalled value and solutions with a satisfaction guarantee.  Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.