Excuses for Not Creating a Culture of Safety in the Workplace
How safe is your workplace? Many employees take for granted simple safety issues because they do not want to cause a ruckus. Moreover, many company executives and business owners do not focus on safety concerns because it’s not in the budget. The truth is safety in the workplace is a serious concern. Little or no attention to it can cause huge sums or even loss of life.
Creating a culture of safety in the workplace is not just important; it’s a necessity. So what are the common excuses for not having a solid culture of safety in the workplace?
We don’t need it
First of all, every company needs to build a culture of safety. Without it, employees work with a high risk for accidents, sickness and injuries. Furthermore, this type of complacency can get people injured; equipment damaged, and gets lives lost. If my executives tell me we don’t need a culture of safety, then I’d bluntly say I don’t need this company. I need to be assured that when I go to work in one piece; I’d go home in the same or better condition.
Is your workplace safe?
It costs too much
How much is the cost of a life? If you start pegging a number to this then there is a problem with you. In addition, any move towards a culture of safety is an investment. Of course, measures to promote safety in the workplace will entail additional costs. Even one simple safety training can cost the company. But the rewards for increased safety go beyond keeping your inventory intact. With a safety culture present, you can be assured of higher productivity, lower injuries or health problems – plus the possibility of avoiding lawsuits.
We train our people well
Training people to run equipment is one thing. Advocating safety is another. Sure, the statistics on paper shredder fatalities is negligible – are there any? But work-related injuries and problems are not limited to using equipment. Creating a safety culture is instilling the right mind set and attitude in the work area. This requires constant and unwavering attention of everyone.
Of course, training is essential. But fostering the right attitude and habits is a totally different matter.
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Our employees are not stupid
The vote of confidence is appreciated but it is a sorely misplaced flattery. Accidents happen and no one can pin point when and where it will inflict its wrath. The most that a company can do is to minimize the risk. Policies and procedures offer an excellent starting point. But a culture of safety in the workplace is still required.
- What habits are promoted?
- What programs are in place to ensure safety?
- Are equipment and technology available to minimize risks?
- Are there regular trainings and refreshers for the employees?
Keeping the workforce safe is a year-round endeavor for the company. It allows improvements in the current system and allows continuous assessment of people and resources. A culture of safety is more than just policies written down on paper. Rather, it is a conscious effort of everyone to improve productivity and security.
