Employee engagement in safety

Employee engagement in workplace safety is critical for maintaining a safe and productive  environment. When employees actively engage in safety efforts, they're more likely to follow protocols,  identify hazards and contribute to a culture prioritizing well-being. Employee engagement will differ  from company to company depending upon factors such as culture, leadership, employees and the  current safety program. Regardless of the type of safety program you have, involving employees in it  will show the company’s dedication to safety in the workplace. An effective way to protect employees  is to involve them in your company’s safety program. There are a number of ways to do this, so it is  important you find out what works best for yours.  

Here are some strategies to encourage engagement: 

Involve Employees in Safety Planning 

Active participation in the company’s safety planning meetings and risk assessments will allow workers  to voice their concerns, concerns of others and suggest improvements. Many employees have first hand knowledge of tasks and job functions and can highlight potential risks, hazards and offer better  solutions others may overlook.  

Empower Employees to Speak Up 

There are many ways to encourage employees to report hazards, near-misses and unsafe behaviors.  The key is to encourage reporting without fear of reprimand. Suggestion boxes, computer reporting  software, safety meetings and toolbox talks can all be used to address safety concerns and make  employees feel comfortable contributing to safety. 

Provide Ongoing Safety Training and Development 

Develop a training program that offers guidance and knowledge to employees. Training is required in  many situations for compliance but it should be more than that. The main focus of training is to  encourage employees to work safely to eliminate injuries. Remind them that nobody wants to get hurt  at work and safety training is key to preventing injuries. Regular, interactive training keeps safety top of-mind and helps employees retain knowledge. Customize the topics for different departments or  areas. 

Set Clear, Achievable Safety Goals 

Goals can be a great way to encourage employees to get involved in safety. Recognize individual and  team efforts to meet these goals, which can help keep everyone motivated. However, avoid setting  goals that focus on injury reduction as this might discourage employees from reporting. Acknowledge  employees who consistently follow safety practices and contribute to safety initiatives. Rewards can  range from public recognition to tangible incentives.

Encourage Positive Peer Influence 

Create a culture where employees remind each other about safety practices and help correct unsafe  behaviors. Focus on the point that safety is everyone’s responsibility and not one department or  person. No single employee should be policing safe work practice, but it should be a responsibility of  everyone. Reinforce to staff that reporting unsafe conditions and behaviors is key to prevention and  keeping an overall safe workplace. When safety is part of the team’s shared responsibility, compliance  improves naturally. 

Leadership by Example 

Probably one of the most important parts to a safe workplace is leading by example. When leaders  consistently demonstrate commitment to safety, it sends a strong message. Regardless of who enters  the work area, ensure employees wear required PPE and follow safety guidelines such as staying within  marked walking areas. Engaged leadership shows that safety is a priority and not just an obligation.  Employees who regularly do not enter the work area and are seen not following safety rules shows to  employees that safety is not a priority.  

Regularly Communicate Safety Information 

Keep safety visible with bulletin boards, digital displays, posters or company newsletters. Regular  reminders reinforce the importance of safety in the workplace. The safety message should be changed  periodically (weekly or monthly). Use these communication channels to reinforce safety guidelines,  such as PPE usage, Safety Data Sheet information or review of safe work practices. 

Evaluate and Act on Feedback 

Regularly request feedback on safety processes and be proactive in implementing suggested changes.  When employees see their feedback leads to improvements, they’re more likely to stay engaged.  Regardless of how small a safety suggestion may seem, always get back to the employee with a  response. Ignoring requests can demonstrate a non-caring attitude toward safety. 

Encouraging employee engagement into your company’s safety program is a great way to demonstrate  how important safety is in the workplace. When developing a strategy that is specific to your culture,  be creative, think outside the box and include employee suggestions. Once you’ve come up with a  strategy that fits your organization, communicate it with employees. Share the philosophy that safety is  the number one priority. Remember, in a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and  empowered to contribute to safety, they’ll be more likely to stay actively engaged in creating a safe  environment.  

If you need help identifying potential hazards in your workplace, please contact Andy Sawan, risk services specialist  at Sedgwick at andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330.819.4728.