Why a Culture of Safety Matters in a Competitive Labor Market

Even though the market for talent may not be as tight as it was a few years ago, it’s still difficult to find and keep the right talent. Therefore, employers need to use everything at their disposal to retain their existing employees. One tool that is sometimes overlooked is a culture of safety.

Culture of Safety: A Differentiator

Investing in a strong safety program signals to employees and prospective job candidates that your organization cares for them on a human level. Of course, safety is good for all aspects of business:

• Trust. Putting processes and tools in place to keep people safe shows that the organization can be trusted to care for them.
• Productivity. Keeping people safe on the job means work gets done. Eliminating preventable work-related injuries and illnesses helps maintain a full staff and prevents healthy employees from being overworked.
• Morale. Being able to work comfortably and without fear of injury or preventable illness improves positive feelings about the workplace.
• Loyalty. When employees see that you care and protect them, they are more likely to stay with the company—and to tell others.
• Communication. When employees see that you care, they may be more comfortable voicing concerns, giving you the opportunity to address issues before they become problems.

Elements of a Strong Safety Culture

The specifics of each organization’s safety program will differ based on its needs. A manufacturing plant has different safety concerns than an ad agency. In-person work poses different challenges than remote or online work. But there are aspects of a strong safety culture that are shared across all organizations:

• Top-Down Support. Management must walk the talk and be as accountable for safety as everyone else in the organization. Managers, as well as employees, must know, understand and consistently adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
• Communication. Policies, procedures and expectations must be documented, reviewed and updated regularly, and shared consistently and often throughout the organization, including during onboarding. Further, organizations could consider conducting one-on-one safety interviews with key employees to learn which safety policies and procedures are working or not working in specific job roles.
• Ongoing Training. Safety isn’t a “one and done” activity. Regular safety reviews and training are an important part of keeping safety top of mind.
• Accountability. Issues need to be documented and resolved. If gaps are discovered in how policies or procedures are being applied, more training may be needed.
• Remaining Current. As the business environment changes, safety protocols may need to be added or revised. Safety is more than adhering to an OSHA checklist; it involves proactively reviewing the business to address potential issues before they can become problems.

Promoting a Safety Culture at Your Organization

Use the following strategies to develop a culture of safety:

• Develop a site safety vision including key policies, goals, measures, and strategic and operational plans.
• Implement a “buddy system” in which experienced individuals are paired up with newer workers. Experienced workers can serve as role models for newer workers and demonstrate safe work procedures.
• Encourage all employees to watch out for others. In doing so, develop safety responsibilities for all levels of the organization.
• Align management and supervisors by establishing a shared vision of safety and health goals, and objectives versus production.
• Implement a process that holds management accountable for visibly being involved, setting the proper example, and leading a positive change for safety and health.
• Require managers to make themselves available during worker orientation and introduction sessions.
• Demonstrate a commitment to employee health and safety by implementing safe work practices and prescribing the mentality that unsafe actions are not tolerated.
• Make health and safety part of workplace communications.
• Encourage workers to report health and safety concerns that they encounter and respond to their concerns in a timely fashion. Also, provide multiple avenues for employees to raise suggestions, concerns, and problems.
• Develop a system for tracking and ensuring the timeliness of hazard corrections.
• Ensure that the organization has a system for reporting near-miss accidents, injuries and the need for first aid.
• Promote safety training sessions and host emergency response training.
• Maintain safety equipment and ensure that it is worn properly by employees.
• Revise incentives and disciplinary systems to accommodate safety and health concerns.

Resources

Creating an effective safety culture is an integral part of your loss control efforts. If you have questions about strengthening your safety program, reach out to your Hylant service team member or contact us here.

The above information does not constitute advice. Always contact your insurance broker or trusted advisor for insurance-related questions.