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addressed but also allows them to feel invested in the program. Ensure feedback can be captured quickly, simply and if required, anonymously by using tech such as scannable QR codes. Individual voices can be amplified and power can be put back in the hands of each and every team member. Equip teams with the right tools to ensure they can easily speak up and have
their voices heard and valued.
Once the program is created, it is vital to have upper
management and leadership maintain their commitment to it. Employees look to their company’s leadership for guidance and to set the standard on company practices. When those in leadership positions show their sincere support in proactively keeping employees healthy and safe, workers feel valued by the business as a whole. Those at the top of the organization can demonstrate their ongoing commitment by providing the necessary resources and tools, recognizing safe practices performed by team members and always factoring safety and health into operational decisions. Ultimately, it is on those at the top of the business to make the health and safety of their employees a priority and part of daily conversations.
Maintain Safe Habits. The key to the success of a health and safety plan is to make it a vital part of your organization’s daily operations. It should become a habit for everyone within your business, all the way from upper management to part-time or even temporary employees. We all know the best way to turn an action into a habit is through training and repetition. In the past though, workplace training efforts were more concerned with compliance numbers than tangible learning outcomes. Now, the ability to deliver effective learning is critical.
As the world around us continues to change and new safety standards arise, teams need to get up to speed quickly. Mobile- first, microlearning tools are increasingly important to helping businesses train their employees on compliance measures—as well as increase productivity and promote employee confidence. Rather than using a set-it-and-forget-it approach, scheduling training sessions at regular intervals naturally builds safety into your company culture.
Keep the Conversation Going. Once programs are put into place, it is important to continuously evaluate and look for areas of improvement. This task shouldn’t be left only to safety managers or those in similar positions, it should instead be an open conversation across your entire organization. To maximize participation, however, workers must feel safe raising concerns and potential problems without the threat of retaliation. It is on those at the top of your organization to lay the foundation for a culture of speaking up and ensure employees are comfortable giving voice to any issues or feedback.
An organization that prioritizes health and safety ultimately results in a positive environment where employees feel valued and respected.
About the Research. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,976 frontline workers (860 U.S,, 558 Australia, 558 UK). Fieldwork was undertaken during August 2022. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of U.S., UK and AU frontline workers (aged 18+).
Kylie Uvodich is the General Manager, Americas at SafetyCulture.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 | Occupational Health & Safety 39