Refocus on Safety in
2015
In order to regain our focus on safety it is
necessary to “refocus on safety.” To
refocus on safety, we have to create an environment where individuals accept
personal responsibility for their safety and their co-workers safety, too. There are three critical elements that are needed to promote a
progressive safety culture.
- A commitment to the resources necessary to achieve the goal of “No Accidents, No Injuries.”
- We cannot afford to cut corners when it comes to safety improvements. We spend a lot on safety incentives, but are we spending enough on safety process improvements. Sometimes even what seem to be small inexpensive improvements can be overlooked or sidelined because, “we are so busy.”
- An atmosphere/culture that encourages open, honest communication and feedback between all levels within the organization.
- Provide multiple paths for employees to bring suggestions, concerns, or problems forward.
- Use the chain of command and ensure no repercussions.
- Hold supervisors and middle managers accountable for being responsive.
- A clear understanding of the price that can be paid when safety is not the number one priority.
- What price will I pay with my body parts if I ignore safety matters?
- What will be the price I pay with my standard of living, i.e. income, property, family time, etc..?
- What will be the price my family will pay?
- What will be the price my co-workers pay?
- What will be the price my employer will pay?
It is a matter of setting our standard high;
"Safe production is our only
standard!"
A key ingredient is Employee
Involvement. The most effective safety programs are the ones that are driven by
the responsibility for safety being shared by EVERYONE in the workplace. In
addition the employees' unique knowledge of problems in the production process
is the best tool to use in resolving safety concerns. Think about this, no one
else has as much at stake to avoid accidents as the employees who are likely to
be injured. The more they will appreciate the potential hazards that exist at
the worksite, the more likely that they will avoid unsafe behaviors, thereby
strengthening the overall safety culture of the company. Without employees'
involvement and cooperation, accidents are difficult to prevent. In one of
OSHA’s publications on its website it discusses the why and how of employee
involvement.
What are the advantages of getting employees involved?
What are the advantages of getting employees involved?
- Employees are the ones in contact with potential hazards and will have a vested interest.
- Group decisions have the advantage of the group's wider field of experience.
- Research shows that employees are more likely to support and use programs in which they have had input; employee buy-in for the needed changes is more likely.
- Employees who are encouraged to offer their ideas and whose contributions are taken seriously are more satisfied and productive.
- The more that employees are involved in the various facets of the program, the more they will learn about safety, what is causing injuries at their site, and how they can avoid be injured. The more they know and understand, the greater their awareness will be and the stronger the safety culture of the organization will become.
How can employees get involved?
- Participate on joint labor-management committees and other advisory groups.
- Conduct site inspections.
- Analyze routine hazards in each step of a job or process, and prepare safe work practices.
- Participate in developing and revising safety rules.
- Participate as trainers for current and new hires.
- Participate in accident/near miss incident investigations.
- Participate in decision making throughout the company's operations.
- Participate in pre-use and change analysis.
- Participate as safety observers and safety coaches.
- Report hazards and be involved in finding solutions to correct the problems.
The 3 C’s of Safety Culture:
Compliance, the necessary
foundation
Commitment, requires visible
leadership and associate ownership
Company culture, which takes
time to mature the safety culture, and is constantly evolving
Ken
Woodlin, vice president, logistics asset protection, compliance & safety,
Walmart
Stores, Inc., Bentonville, Ark
Steve Bargeron
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