While workplace accidents have decreased slightly in the last few years, they still represent one of the most significant costs a business can face. The National Safety Council reports that in 2020, workplace safety incidents cost employers $163.9 billion. And that doesn’t address the pain and suffering felt by the unfortunate employees injured in these accidents. The good news is that there are many ways to make the workplace safer for your employees, and one of the most effective is making safety a core component of your company’s culture.
About Company Culture
The Harvard Business Review defines company culture as the attitudes and behaviors of a company and its employees. Company culture starts with a business’s mission and values, which in turn affects the way an organization’s people interact with each other and the decisions they make. The question then becomes: How do you establish safety as a value and a priority within your company culture? Here are four steps toward achieving that goal.
- Engage Employees
Involve employees in the safety program – Keep the lines of communication open with your workers and include them in discussions about changes that affect them. Also, form employee-driven safety committees to build a culture of awareness and caution.
- Keep Safety Front of Mind
Safety shouldn’t be a reaction to workplace incidents; rather, it should be an integral part of your day-to-day operations. Keep the word “safety” and your expectations regarding a safe workplace in front of your employees.
- Recognize Contributors to a Safe Environment
Public thank-yous are incredibly motivating. Give shoutouts to employees whose work helps keep their colleagues safe and celebrate extended periods of incident-free production.
- Open the suggestion box
Encourage continuous feedback. Be on the lookout for bright ideas and creative safety solutions. Not only will fostering this participation give you valuable insights, but it will also strengthen engagement and safety.
Look to Mega Force to Keep Your Machines Running
If you’re looking for talent to build an engaged, safe workforce, contact Mega Force. We help warehouse employers in Warsaw and throughout North Carolina connect with reliable candidates who can infuse their businesses with innovation. Start here.
