The workplace can be hazardous - but it needn't be. There are many ways of improving the safety culture within every organization, and this needs to be done on a consistent basis. Safety training should be constantly reinforced and never stops.

It is helpful to decide on a definition of a what proper safety culture is. What does it looks like? Obviously, it involves a set of core values and behaviours that are demonstrated by management that safety & best practices is an overarching priority within the organization. Modifying the behaviour of employees in the workplace is the ultimate goal and expression of an improved safety culture. And the benefits of safety should not be ignored: Not only are there significant cost savings to be had by reducing accidents, there would also be a palpably improved workplace moral.

Here are 3 ways of improving safety culture in your organization:

1. Safety training needs to be both relevant and continuous. Most workers probably would agree that there is nothing worse than having to attend meetings that are both boring and seemingly irrelevant. And possibly, once the meeting is over, no one pays attention to what was discussed regarding and safety improvements discussed as behaviour has really not been modified. We are all creatures of habit and it takes a mindful willingness to change them. If overweight boxes are being lifted improperly, they might always be lifted that way until something or someone interferes.
2. Safety culture requires a way to voice concerns in an environment of support. Identifying the hazards both from employee and management perspectives demonstrates a willingness of engagement in both parties. Workers might feel more comfortable in voicing concerns, especially if management is forthcoming in creating a way to positively reinforce good habits.
3. Safety concerns and challenges need to be addressed, ensuring solutions are reached. Safety needs to be integrated into every aspect of every part of the work day. An element of trust is essential in every dialogue that thing are being taken seriously and being acted on. Managing safety concerns is challenging but essential and the more that is done, the more workers feel that they are being heard and cared for.

The challenge that management faces is that all of this discussion and support requires a commitment that goes beyond lip service. But demonstrating care for workers safety and improving the safety culture a business owner will effectively improve moral.

Improving the safety culture and demonstrating care for the safety of your workers is not only good for the bottom line, but a regulatory requirement as well. Healthy & safe workers equal a healthy and safe business.