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How to Create a Culture of Safety

James Brogan
By James Brogan CEO, PepTalk
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Workplace safety is a top priority for every organization. But creating a culture of safety can be challenging, especially where employees are not based at one physical location. Deskless workers account for 80% of the world’s workforce, and with employees working in various locations and roles, it can be tough to ensure everyone is on the same page when it comes to safety.

Meanwhile, collaboration, communications and employee engagement technologies have dramatically improved the work experiences of desk-based knowledge workers across the globe. How can manufacturing organizations bridge the gaps and cultivate stronger connections and a culture of safety among their employees on the shop floor?

Defining a Culture of Safety

A culture of safety entails working across an organization in a way that prioritizes and values safety at all levels. It involves creating a work environment where everyone is committed to identifying, assessing and managing workplace hazards. It also means that safety is not just a top-down approach but a shared responsibility among all employees, and each employee has the right to call out anyone, regardless of level, if they believe there is a risk.

Why is it Important?

A culture of safety is essential for the success of any manufacturing organization. It not only reduces the number of accidents and injuries but also improves employee morale, productivity and job satisfaction. It creates a sense of trust and openness among employees, leading to better communication and teamwork, as well as ensuring that the organization complies with the necessary safety regulations and standards.

Addressing Injuries

Fifteen percent of workplace injuries in America occur in manufacturing jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, new workers are five times more likely to be injured on the job. In fact, 40% of all injuries involve employees with less than a year of experience on the job. Plus, one in eight accidents happen on the first day of employment. The top five manufacturing injuries are machine-related injuries, falls, overexertion, vehicle-related injuries and chemical-related injuries.

Who Is Responsible for Creating the Culture?

Creating a culture of safety is the responsibility of everyone in the organization, from the top-level management to the frontline employees. However, it starts with the leadership team, who must prioritize safety protocols and processes, as well as lead by example. They must communicate the importance of safety and provide the necessary resources and training to ensure everyone is equipped to work safely.

Innovation in Manufacturing Safety

There have been amazing technology innovations that help create a safer manufacturing environment. Wearable technology, for example, can deliver real-time training as employees need it, such as when they interact with a machine for the first time.

Wearable tech can also measure employees’ blood pressure, heart rate, and other biometrics, as well as determine major changes in environment temperature or air quality that could be hazardous to human workers.

Another way to leverage technology to enhance shop floor safety is through the use of industrial robots that can handle chemicals or work in harsh environments without the risk of getting fatigued, ill or injured. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can continuously monitor and analyze machines and equipment to determine the right time for a service check or maintenance, rather than relying on a regular calendar event (or when the machine breaks) to intervene. AI is also being used to analyze data and identify potential risks and hazards in the workplace.

The Value of a Culture of Safety

Apart from the obvious benefits of keeping your employees safe, there are many other advantages to developing a culture of safety, including:

  • Reduced days or hours missed due to injuries;
  • Reduced costs in the form of fewer fine payments;
  • Improved brand reputation;
  • Reduced employee turnover and hiring costs; and
  • Increased employee engagement.

Prioritize Your People, Prioritize Safety

Creating a culture of safety in a deskless workplace is not an easy task, but it’s an essential effort for the well-being of employees and the success of the organization.

By involving employees in the process, providing adequate training, incorporating safety into performance metrics, recognizing safe behavior and regularly evaluating safety measures, organizations can increase employee buy-in and create a safer work environment for everyone.

5 Tips to Increase Employee Buy-in and Build a Culture of Safety

Building and maintaining a culture of safety relies on the buy-in of your employees. Without their input and support, safety initiatives will fail. Here are a few things you can do to increase employee buy-in:

  1. Involve Employees in the Process: Involving employees in identifying hazards, developing safety policies, and implementing safety measures gives them a sense of ownership and encourages them to take responsibility for their safety.

  2. Provide Adequate Training: Offer comprehensive training to employees on how to identify hazards and work safely. Training should be ongoing, and employees should be regularly updated on new safety policies and procedures. There have been great innovations made in real-time training methods and technology.

  3. Map Safety to Performance Metrics: Incorporate safety metrics into performance, such as including safety goals in employee appraisals. This motivates employees to prioritize safety and ensures that safety is integrated into all aspects of the organization.

  4. Recognize and Reward Safe Behavior: Highlight and reward employees who demonstrate safe behavior. This reinforces the importance of safety and encourages other employees to follow suit.

  5. Evaluate and Improve Safety Measures: Regularly evaluate safety measures to identify areas that need improvement. Solicit feedback from employees and make changes, as necessary.
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