How can you make sure your employees follow safety regulations? Develop a consistent safety policy and discipline employees who violate it. Don’t wait for an accident to occur. If you wait to discipline until after an accident, workers may think that the company cares only about its safety record. Make sure you discipline employees every time a violation occurs. This lets them know that safety is important all of the time.
Positive incentives, of course, are the best method of motivating the workforce. You should praise employees frequently and immediately for performing safe actions, such as cleaning up promptly after a spill. Make sure to thank workers for bringing hazards to your attention.
If positive incentives don’t work, it’s time to get tough. When an employee violates a minor safety rule, take action according to a progressive disciplinary policy that might include the following steps:
First Violation—After the first incident of noncompliance, talk quietly to the employee. Explain the consequences of his or her unsafe actions. Try to find out if there is some reason other than misconduct behind the violation. If not, emphasize that the company won’t tolerate unsafe work behavior. Make a record of the incident and your discussion with the worker.
Second Violation—The supervisor should meet with the employee again. Write up the details of the incident on a preset form and put a copy in his or her personnel file. Again, emphasize the consequences of continued noncompliance.
Third Violation—The supervisor should give the worker an unpaid temporary suspension. Suggest that the worker either follow the rules or find another job. Once again, the violation should be recorded in the employee’s file.
Fourth Violation—Terminate the employee. This procedure should be followed consistently with all employees. Make sure all steps have been properly documented. Hold an exit interview and show the employee the details of all incidents of noncompliance.