Building a strong safety culture: strategies for success

Understanding the importance of safety culture

Safety culture refers to the shared values, attitudes, perceptions, skills, and behaviors of individuals and groups within an organization that shape their commitment to managing health and safety.

A culture of safety goes beyond having policies in place; it’s about fostering a shared commitment to making safety a top priority each day. Companies with a strong safety culture usually have less workplace accidents and fewer regulatory violations. This emphasizes the importance of consistent safety practices.

This article explores strategies to help organizations build a strong safety culture with actionable ways to create a workplace where safety is seamlessly woven into the culture.

Leadership’s role in shaping a safety-first mindset

Managers play a crucial role in setting the tone for a safety-first mindset in their organization. When management teams prioritize safety, it shows the entire workforce that safety is a core value embedded in the company’s culture.

On-site supervisors play a critical role in maintaining a strong culture of safety. They oversee day-to-day operations and ensure that safety practices are consistently followed. As the primary point of contact between leadership and employees, supervisors are responsible for communicating safety expectations and addressing concerns, which reinforce safe behaviors.

Supervisors can help maintain a proactive safety culture by using the examples below.

Ways leaders can champion a culture of safety

• Lead by example: Consistently model safe behaviors in the workplace and follow safety protocols. This demonstrates a continuous commitment to safety.
• Prioritize safety: Adopt safety as a core organizational value, ensuring that it is reflected in every initiative.
• Show genuine concern: Show that you care about your employees by actively addressing safety risks and supporting employees’ physical and mental well-being.
• Foster a culture of trust: Demonstrate care by listening to the concerns of employees and involve them in safety decisions.

Promote participation in safety initiatives

Engaging employees in safety initiatives is essential for creating a workplace where safety is a shared responsibility. When employees actively participate in safety programs, they are more likely to follow safety procedures, identify potential hazards, and contribute to the continuous improvement of safety practices. This involvement not only helps in reducing accidents but also empowers employees to take ownership of their own safety and the safety of their coworkers.

Encouraging employee involvement

• Safety committees: Employees serving as liaisons in a safety committee can collect feedback from their peers, identify challenges, and work with supervisors to implement effective solutions.
• Toolbox talks: Brief and informal toolbox talks offer employees a platform to raise concerns, suggest improvements, and stay informed about safety practices.
• Employee involvement: Involving employees and encouraging participation provides a platform for early identification and correction of safety hazards.

Training is the cornerstone of safety

Training is the foundation of building a safety-first workplace. It ensures that employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to work safely, recognize hazards, and respond effectively to emergencies. A well-trained workforce is critical in minimizing risks, preventing accidents, and fostering a culture of safety.

When employees begin safety training from day one , it sets the foundation for safety to be seen as a shared responsibility, not just a set of rules. When employees feel equipped to handle hazards and emergencies, they are more likely to actively promote safety, report risks, and assist others in maintaining safe practices. This proactive attitude fosters an environment where safety is consistently prioritized by everyone, from leadership to front-line workers.

Key elements to ensure your safety training is effective

• Easily understood: Training must be delivered in a language and vocabulary that is accessible to all workers, ensuring they fully understand safety protocols and procedures.
• Provided to everyone: Safety training should be offered to all employees, including full-time, part-time, and temporary workers. This ensures everyone in the organization is equipped with the same level of knowledge.
• Maintain proper documentation: It’s essential to document all safety training activities, including the dates and content covered. This documentation helps track employee training progress and ensures timely refresher training when needed.
• Tailored to specific jobs: Offer specific training sessions that focus on the unique hazards and safety protocols that are relevant to each role.
• Make it engaging: Create opportunities for hands-on learning to reinforce concepts during the training session.

A stronger safety culture starts today

Companies with strong safety cultures usually have lower workplace accidents, fewer regulatory violations, and higher employee morale. By fostering a culture where safety is a core value, organizations create an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute to a safer, more efficient workplace.

To help you get started, download our safety culture starting guide , a must-have resource that provides six steps to help you successfully foster a culture of safety in your workplace.