As a leading manufacturer of complex chemical products, safety in the workplace is always top of mind on our factory floor.
However, it is not as simple as issuing PPEs - goggles, overalls etc but of creating a culture in which everybody is aware of the environment in which we operate and in which no one risks their own or their co- workers’ safety at any time.
Five ways to encourage a culture of safety:
Implement rigorous and regular training at all levels and structures within the company. Without training and education, employees cannot be expected to know what the inherent risks and dangers are in any given operating environment.
Appoint safety ambassadors or champions within each department in the company. By identifying one person that constantly reinforces the importance of implementing safety measures, safety standards will not drop between training sessions.
Use positive reinforcement using achievable safety goals and KPIs. Rewarding employees who take extra special care fosters a sense of responsibility and helps to entrench a desire to maintain safety standards.
Empower employees and give them ownership of the safety protocols. As new product lines or new processes are introduced into the workplace, adjustments to existing safety protocols may be required. Sometimes, it is those who work at the ‘coal face’ of production that are best placed to find solutions to new challenges.
Be receptive to feedback and use it constantly to monitor and evaluate your safety processes.
Safety and security is a dynamic, ever changing part of the daily routine in the workplace, and must be just that – a routine that is strictly adhered to at all times.
By following these five simple steps, you can achieve a zero incident rating in your own business.
