Creating a safe workplace is a hard job. Companies have to establish all of the required and desired policies. Then, they must set up proper procedures on how to correctly and safely perform tasks, identify all the hazards that are and could be present, remove all the hazards possible, and protect employees against the ones left over. After all of that, you still need to train employees on what hazards exist and what they need to do to ensure they go home safely.
However, once the site has been analyzed, the policies and procedures have been written, communicated, and implemented, and the training has all been done, the real work begins.
How to keep them safe
It’s hard to keep people safe because of human input. By nature, everything fades. Energy, focus, and volume always fade. What was part of consistent practice has now been lost. Strong starts have been weakened by time and distraction.
Turnover plays a big part, as well. Those who implemented this culture have retired or moved on, or their positions have evolved. Now, no one watches or audits for compliance. Until they are faced with a regulatory compliance audit or worse – a serious injury and they are faced with getting back on track. While getting started right takes effort, sustaining it takes much more effort and investment. Companies are always tasked with staying on track or facing the yo-yo of compliance.
While there is no shortcut to avoiding the ongoing battle of maintaining a safe culture, there is a focus that can help. Employee engagement is a tactic that works every single time. It also works across the board in all compliance. Focusing on ways to get employees engaged assists in operational, behavioral, and safety compliance. Engaged employees are invested in both the work they do and in the company’s success as a whole. Engaged employees will put in more effort, go out of their way to ensure it’s done right, and actively participate in providing solutions to problems with their opinions, suggestions, and feedback.
There is a direct link between engagement and safety. Engaged employees are proactive. They are more likely to recognize potential safety hazards before they become issues. Engaged employees are known to have increased awareness and focus. They tend to pay closer attention to their surroundings and follow safety protocols consistently. Engaged employees take more ownership of the safety culture. They are more likely to take responsibility for their safety and that of their coworkers, promoting a collective safety culture.
There is a very important role of leadership in fostering engagement in safety. Getting leaders to participate in training and safety events can be tricky but is essential. Leaders who engage employees in regular safety training sessions and discussions can help ensure safety is a priority.
Company leadership should promote transparency and feedback wherever possible. Encouraging open dialogue between leadership and employees about safety issues fosters an environment where workers feel comfortable voicing concerns. Lastly, leadership needs to support recognition efforts. Recognizing employees who consistently follow safety protocols or identify hazards can motivate others to do the same.
Engaged workforces produce benefits in safety outcomes every time. Engaged workforces have reduced workplace accidents. Studies show that workplaces with high employee engagement levels have fewer accidents and injuries. These same engaged employees are more likely to report safety concerns, near misses, and hazards, preventing potential accidents. When employees feel engaged, they are more likely to adhere to safety procedures and regulations.
The bottom line is a committed, engaged workforce is a safer workforce. Safety is not just about equipment and protocols – it’s about the people who follow those protocols.
Investing in employee engagement is an investment in reducing workplace risks and building a safer, more productive work environment.
Dean Alling is the safety director for Ray-Carroll Coop in Richmond, MO (deana@ray-carroll.com, 817-932-1000).