By Ron Hanson, CHST
Vice President of Operations Safety Management Group

How can you make your worksite a safer place? Many employers take an approach that's similar to the one used by OSHA: they set strict rules and then dole out stricter penalties when those rules are violated. That kind of approach can improve a company's safety record. Sadly, it all too often has the unintended effect of damaging morale. And, in my experience, it's often a sign that a company really doesn't see safety as a critically important aspect of doing business.

Other companies view safety as something more than just another set of rules. They recognize the value of maintaining a safer workplace. They know that increased safety usually translates into better morale, less turnover, higher productivity, and better profits. Beyond the business reasons, they also have a genuine concern for the well-being of their employees, and want to ensure that everyone goes home healthy every night.

Those companies understand the value of creating and maintaining a safety culture. A safety culture goes beyond regulations and equipment to provide a clear sense that safe practices are an important part of everything the company does.

Having a safety culture is more than simply developing programs, performing audits, conducting weekly 'toolbox' training meetings at jobsites, or offering safety incentive programs. A culture is defined as consistent beliefs, values, and behaviors among all members of a population. It's an attitude that flows through every level of the business, and a set of values shared by all employees.

Of course, it's possible to have a negative safety culture. The best example of that is when management pays lip service to safety issues but clearly doesn't embrace the concept. Comments such as 'safety is just common sense,' 'safety is the safety director's responsibility,' 'accidents just happen,' and 'safety is a necessary evil,' often define the safety culture of a company more accurately than a room full of safety programs and procedures. If employees believe that management really doesn't care about safety, it won't be a priority for them, either.

Maintaining a safety culture can provide bottom-line benefits. Because an organization that is focused on safety will have fewer injuries, it reduces expenses that are related to injuries and illnesses. It reduces the number of workmen's comp claims, and leads to lower insurance premiums. Companies with strong safety cultures typically see less absenteeism and other problems that are triggered by morale issues. Why' When workers sense a strong safety culture, they believe that their employer actually cares about them and their well-being ' and people work harder when they genuinely feel that they are valued.

What are the most important factors in developing a safety culture? The answer might surprise you.

Visit this link Real Safety Begins with Real Values to read the complete article by Safety Management Group. To learn more about our construction and manufacturing safety consulting services visit our web site Safety Management Group.

Labels: culture, safety, value