HOW TO CREATE A CULTURE OF SAFETY IN YOUR WORKPLACE
By Sarah Bridges
Having a safety culture means that safety is deeply embedded in the values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours of an organization, especially when it comes to how people think about and approach risk, responsibility, and decision-making. It goes beyond just following rules or having safety policies on paper; it's about the shared mindset that safety is a core priority for everyone, at all levels, all the time. Creating a culture of workplace safety means increased employee morale, improved efficiency and risk mitigation.
Here are three steps to help build a culture of safety in your workplace:
Recognize and Reward Safety: Acknowledge and reward employees who demonstrate a commitment to safety. Recognition reinforces desired behaviours and motivates others to prioritize safety.
Continuously Improve: Regularly review and evaluate safety processes, procedures, and performance. Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions to enhance safety performance continually.
Measure Success: Establish metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards safety goals. Regularly assess performance against these benchmarks and adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.