Committing to safety

A positive, impactful workplace safety culture is the result of several moving parts, including a commitment to proactive safety measures from both employees and employers. The role of the employer and management is to set the tone for the rest of an organization, creating an environment where each person takes responsibility for the well-being of themselves and others around them.

McGonagle et al. (2016) explained that when managers prioritize safety and communicate safety expectations, they are more likely to influence the attitudes and behaviors of their employees, leading to reduced injury risk. Therefore, management’s clear and firm commitment to a culture of safety is a foundational step towards fewer workplace injuries and illnesses.

Strategies for displaying management’s commitment

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) (2016) outlined the importance of management’s role in safety and health programs, stating that they provide the leadership, vision and resources needed for an effective program. While the following list of suggestions is not comprehensive, it provides some strategies to consider for strengthening management’s commitment to safety.

• Develop a written policy that explains management’s commitment to safety and expectations for the organization.
• Communicate expectations and perspectives with employees regularly, preferably at multiple management levels (e.g., company-wide statements from upper management along with daily conversations and reminders from direct supervisors).
• Remain involved with safety activities, whether that may be a job hazard analysis, safety committee meeting, or training session. Employees should feel like their employer is taking an active role in their well-being.
• Consistently enforce safety policies and procedures for all workers. Safety rules are more likely to be followed when workers see they are more than just words on paper.
• Lead by example – behave in a manner that you expect from workers. When entering a work area requiring personal protective equipment (PPE), always ensure you wear proper PPE to set an example for workers. If a safety hazard is discovered, such as a slippery area on the floor, alert those around to be aware of the danger and take immediate action to eliminate the risk. Your diligence will influence others to keep safety at the top of their mind.
• Provide the necessary resources for the development and continuous improvement of your safety and health programs.
• Express appreciation and recognize the efforts of workers who live by the safety culture.
• Encourage all employees to report incidents and near misses as soon as possible and ensure they feel comfortable doing so without fearing retaliation.

For more information, visit OSHA’s safety management page at https://www.osha.gov/safety-management/management-leadership.

Sources:
McGonagle, A. K., Essenmacher, L., Hamblin, L., Luborsky, M., Upfal, M., & Arnetz, J. (2016). Management commitment to safety, teamwork, and hospital worker injuries. Journal of Hospital Administration, 5(6), 46–52. https://doi.org/10.5430/jha.v5n6p46
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). (2016). Recommended practices for safety and health programs. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3885.pdf