What is Safety Culture?

Recently, the term “workplace culture” has become very trendy. More than just a buzzword, workplace culture refers to the way things are done at your workplace. Rather than referring to your company’s specific safety policy and program, the concept of safety culture is encapsulated by the mindsets, attitudes, and behaviors of workers, supervisors, managers, and owners toward safety in the workplace. Positive safety culture in the workplace is absolutely a vital part of a successful and effective health and safety program.

You may find the idea of building or changing your safety culture daunting because the “way it is” at your workplace has fallen into a pattern of complacency. The effects of complacency can be catastrophic: accidents, injuries, illnesses, even loss of life could result. Don’t allow this to happen in your workplace.

Below Six tips that may help you improve or to begin establishing and maintaining a strong and positive safety culture in your workplace

1. Communicate

A great way to increase safety communication while building a positive culture is to hold weekly or monthly safety talks. Increase worker buy-in by having them lead the talks. Make safety policies readily available electronically or on paper, and use your Intranet to communicate safe practices, expectations, and best practices when it comes to safety in your workplace. 

2. Provide Training

3. Lead by Example

Lead by example by following all safety policies and encouraging employees to do the same. If management commits to safety, employees will follow suit. Employee buy-in is crucial to a positive safety culture. Workers won’t buy into safety if they don’t see policies and procedures being followed by their superiors. Safety is more than talking the talk; it's walking the walk.

4. Develop and Implement a Positive Reporting Process

Reward employees who report safety hazards or concerns. A positive safety culture will be much easier to build and maintain when employees feel comfortable reporting concerns and believe that the reporting process is positive..

5. Involve Workers

Building and maintaining a safe culture starts from the ground up. Another way to build strong employee buy-in is to involve them in the process. Ask them what they would like the reporting process to look like, or get their feedback on current communication methods.

6. Employee Engagement

Have frequent some of the other safety engaging activities wherein employees are engaged. Doing this will help to involve employees and at the same time show your concern that you care for them. You can make these activities game-based as people we love to accept the challenge wherein they get a score and appreciation for what they have done.