Break free from the hold

Building a strong, compliant safety program doesn’t have to feel like playing a game of tug-of-war. You can snap the rope and break the hold with a few strategies.

1. Get the resources you need
   There’s no doubt that a robust safety program is critically dependent on the right resources like effective trainers and educational materials, engaging training programs, quality time, and safety equipment. Balancing resources between safety and production is strategic and impacts success. While production drives growth, safety investment is equally vital. A compliant safety program prevents accidents, reduces downtime, and boosts morale, enhancing productivity. It also ensures regulatory compliance, avoiding fines and legal issues. Investing in safety resources protects employees and ensures sustainable profitability by maintaining a healthy workforce.
2. Obtain managerial and operational support
   Managers play a crucial role in setting safety priorities, allocating resources, and creating a culture that values safety. Their commitment to safety can inspire employees to take safety seriously and adhere to safety protocols. On the operational side, employees carry out safety procedures daily. Their understanding of the importance of these procedures, and their willingness to follow them, is critical to the program's effectiveness. Their feedback can help identify potential safety issues and improve existing procedures. Gaining buy-in from both management and operations isn’t just about convincing them that safety is important. It includes listening to their concerns, getting their input, and promoting active involvement in safety. When everyone owns safety, it becomes a common goal, resulting in a safer, more productive workplace. When everyone feels a sense of ownership and responsibility for safety, it becomes a shared goal, leading to a safer and more productive workplace.
3. Develop and implement clear policies and procedures
   Policies and procedures serve as a roadmap for employees that outline the expected behaviors and procedures to ensure workplace safety. Clarity is key! Policies should be straightforward and easily understood by all employees, regardless of their role or level. Having precise procedures helps in avoiding confusion and ensures that the essential points are easily remembered and performed properly. Once established, they should be communicated well, enforced consistently, and reviewed regularly. Regular training helps employees follow these guidelines. This commitment to clear safety policies reduces risks and promotes a safety culture.
4. Build a sound training program
   Streamlined policies and procedures pave the way for effective training. Choose a skilled, knowledgeable trainer who enjoys teaching safety. (HINT: Don’t assume because someone is a good operator or worker that they want to train others.) Training doesn’t have to be long and drawn out, but it should be engaging, relevant, and practical. It should cover the basic safety procedures on a particular topic as well as the specific risks associated with each employee's role. Using a mix of training methods, like hands-on exercises, demonstrations, and discussions, can help cater to different learning styles and ensure the information is well-understood. It's also important to provide regular refresher courses to keep safety top of mind. Lastly, safety training should be seen as an ongoing process, adapting and evolving as the workplace, regulations, or technologies change.

Maintain worker morale

Although worker morale didn’t make our respondents’ list of challenges, it’s worth a reminder of how to maintain it since high morale leads to increased productivity, better cooperation, and lower employee turnover.

It's important to create an environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. This can be achieved through recognition of good work, providing opportunities for growth and development, and fostering open and honest communication. Ensuring safety is also a significant factor in boosting morale — when employees feel safe, they are more likely to be satisfied and engaged in their work. Regular team-building activities and social events can also help to strengthen relationships and create a positive work culture. Lastly, addressing any issues promptly and fairly can prevent dissatisfaction and maintain trust. By prioritizing worker morale, companies can create a more positive, productive, and successful workplace.

Key to remember: Breaking the ties that bind organizations from the safety program compliance they desire can be achieved by investing in safety the same as production: getting buy-in from management and workers by engaging them in decision-making, and by making policies, procedures, and training clear and consistent.