At many companies, you will find that management just does not take safety seriously enough. They fail to understand the immediate costs and long-term effects of on-the-job accidents. These costs can include medical expenses, higher workers comp premiums, equipment repair, and personnel expenses. Then there are the undefined costs of low employee morale, retraining, loss of bids, interruption of business processes, etc.
Companies with low accident rates, however, understand the consequences of their actions. These companies make a concerted effort to address safety at every level of the organization. Here are some of the secrets of their success:
- Upper management demonstrates a commitment to safety through words and action.
- New employees are carefully screened and hired to see if they have a commitment to safety.
- Safety issues are discussed regularly, from the initial job interview to regular safety meetings and inspections.
- Safety training is emphasized throughout an employee’s career, with careful monitoring to determine follow-ups and re-training.
- Accident investigations are always conducted with the goal of finding the root causes, rather than assigning blame. Near-misses are also investigated and problems are corrected promptly.
- Employee wellness programs are offered.
- Regular promotional awards and recognition for excellent safety behavior generate excitement and interest in safety.
- Products and processes are reviewed regularly and replaced with less hazardous substitutes.
- Supervisors and managers are evaluated on their safety performance as well as productivity.
- A team approach to safety involving management and employees is used to ensure total commitment to the program.