There are often surprising safety issues that happen, but recently we have experienced more than usual. A few occurred at great companies with what would be considered strong safety programs. And that’s what makes the incidents so surprising, shocking actually.
We often encounter issues with employees not consistently wearing PPE, but recently learned that managers and executives were not wearing PPE in labs. Their typical replies when questioned were, ‘we’re just passing through,’ or ‘I’m not doing anything hazardous’.
Leaders are the mentors and role models. The leaders create the organizational culture through their actions. Yet they seem clueless of the messages they are sending and the examples on what matters they are conveying. Their actions may seem harmless to them, but the impact of the messages is a significant risk to safety, well-being, and the organization.
We emphasize that safety and wellness programs are the levers for creating a great culture and place to work. It is not the safety manager working in isolation that creates the lever or for that matter workplace safety. In fact, it is not one department nor the safety SOPs nor the training sessions. It is the realization of the culture that is cultivated through leadership actions that matters. It is these actions that create a culture of safety and well-being or the opposite — a culture that is toxic and increases – or encourages – risky behaviors.
The challenge is to ingrain a culture of safety and well-being within the fabric of the organization and work performed. Where to begin?
- Start with conducting a Safety Culture Assessment.
- Conduct interviews and focus groups to discuss the desired culture, values, and status of safety and well-being within the organization.
- Facilitate safety management sessions.
- Cultivate leadership qualities in managers, supervisors, and lead employees. They are the mentors and role models of the desired behaviors and culture.
- Cultivate a Safe and Sound workplace using the guidelines of NIOSH’s Total Worker Health