Leading by example: The Workplace Safety Cornerstone
Posted on
Sep 2, 2024
When it comes to workplace health and safety, your actions bear more weight than your words.
Leaders must address safety by giving it enough time and taking immediate action when violations occur. Setting clear expectations and providing direct, hands-on involvement in health and safety regimes and a visible, proactive presence on site demonstrate a true commitment to a safe work environment.
The following are examples of what you, as a leader, must positively reinforce:
Safety Moments and Safety Talks: These are opportunities to meet, educate, and empower your team to engage in health and safety (best) practices.
Incident Reporting and Investigation: You must show your colleagues that every (almost) incident matters and that improving the workplace safety culture only works if you learn from them.
Regular walkthroughs and observations: You and your senior leadership can ensure health and safety by identifying potential hazards before they develop into incidents.
Periodic Health and Safety Collaboration: Events that involve all levels of workers, such as shift changes, meetings, and training, should result in actionable insights that enhance your company's health and safety.
Health and Safety Assessments and Audits: Use data not only to compile and impress clients but also primarily to understand trends, predict failures, and prevent risks from getting worse and accidents from occurring.
Engaging with workers: Spending time on the ground is crucial. Talk to your workers, listen to their concerns, and provide pragmatic solutions.
Your workers' insights are invaluable and often provide the most direct indicators of your safety culture levels. Every interaction with your workers is an opportunity to reinforce that health and safety are a priority.
Remember, your team is always watching!
They don’t just listen to what you say; they observe what you do. Your actions best convey what you and your leadership team value.
When you can demonstrate these actions, it will increase safety and foster trust and respect. Employees who feel heard and cared for commit to their jobs and maintain and champion the safety standards your organization sets.
Be the leader who sets the example. Let your daily actions serve as your loudest message: "Safety is the number one priority, and it starts with me."
