What Does It Mean To Have A Safety Culture?

When things get busier on the jobsite, the number of injuries always seems to creep up. Rushing to get a job done can not only create extra work in the long run, but it can also put workers at risk.

According to MDPI research, the construction industry only makes up about 4% of the U.S. workforce, yet accounts for one in five fatalities. Additionally, the construction industry rate of nonfatal injuries was 71% higher than all industries as a whole. Establishing a safety culture can go a long way to help reduce this disproportionate number of injuries in the workplace.

Defined as the combination of beliefs, perceptions and attitudes of employees toward the safety of workers and the overall safety of the work environment, an effective safety culture requires involvement from everyone within your organization — from the CEO to the newest hire — because safety is everyone’s job.

Here are some tips to start building a culture of safety within your organization.

1. Start With A Safety Committee

(If you don’t already have one, that is). This committee should consist of the people who work in the field and face safety concerns every day. Their input is invaluable when it comes to the creation of your company’s safety policies.

2. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Developing safety policies is a great place to start, but it won’t do you any good if no one knows about them. Make safety and health a priority! Incorporate them into your company’s mission statement, core values, etc. Getting your workers home safely at the end of each day is critical to building a successful safety culture.

3. Encourage Engagement

Safety used to be (and, in some cases, still is) more about hosting toolbox talks simply to comply with OSHA standards and regulations. Workers attend because it’s mandatory, then head back to the jobsite. A successful safety culture should be about connecting people, and encouraging them to make informed decisions rather than go along with “how it’s always been done.” By creating a positive safety culture, you’ll not only help reduce risks but also boost company morale by helping employees feel safe in performing their job duties.

4. Ensure Proper Training

Obviously, the biggest benefit of enhancing the safety culture within your workplace is a reduction of accidents and injuries. How does that happen? By taking the time to properly train employees in all capacities, making sure everyone is clear on best practices and guidelines. Make sure to train employees on how to assess equipment before using, and also recognize the signs of fatigue.

A safety culture will happen whether it’s company-recognized or not ... the question is whether the culture that’s emerged is helpful or harmful. The construction industry naturally poses a number of health and safety risks
to workers and protecting them should be a primary goal. Worker safety is crucial to keeping your organization running now and into the future.