|
When Supervisors & Employees think ...
"It's not my job!" (Part 1)
It's pretty easy to let the responsibility of safety rest on the SHE person. After all, everyone already has their job and not enough hours in the day to accomplish their own tasks. And then there's productivity and deadlines; work has to get done quickly. How much time in the day is there for considering safety concerns?
These are some of the challenges facing safety professionals. These challenges go beyond training; they go beyond management's desire for a great safety record. They speak to the point of: "Whose job is it anyway?"
Of course, safety is everyone's responsibility. How do you communicate that responsibility? How can you make that change to your safety culture?
Key Elements of a Safety Program
- Communication
- Leadership Commitment
- Employee Empowerment
- Continuous Improvement
Communication & Leadership Commitment
"Let's get talking". Share your safety goals and vision. Begin with creating a theme ... perhaps something that connects everyone to the idea of responsibility: Safety - It's my job!
Prior to launching a program, you will need top management's buy in. It is helpful for them to lead a kick off launch (when multiple locations are involved plant managers, foreman, etc. can voice the company's focused safety vision).
In advance of the program's launch, every supervisor will need to be educated in the rules and rewards of the safety program. They could receive team building items such as portfolios and or polo's displaying your company name, program theme (Safety - It's my job!) and Safety Leader printed on the handouts. That safety-leader-message is their reinforcing focus.
Supervisors will be commissioned into their safety leadership responsibility. It will also be discussed how their employees' safe work behaviors will help them achieve recognition. (Department/location awards or supervisor leadership jackets, etc. for top safety performers.)
Safety programs need to be promoted and have sustained communication. Signage and other visual displays and handouts can keep the program visible. Banners, posters, floor and table decals, equipment stickers, etc. are all useful items to accomplish this. For more personal, tangible touches, use items such as t -shirts, key chains, small tools, etc. that will display the program name and maybe even offer a safety tip (i.e. Ask for help when needed). If you need to highlight important points, use products to display them as well. Depending on your budget, items can be shared monthly or quarterly at tool box talks, etc.
In our next newsletter, we will discuss Employee Empowerment and Continuous Improvement.
Can we help you jump start your Safety Program? Give us a call at 708-478-8222 or send us an email and we'll get started today!
Looking forward to helping you stay safe,
Linda Heyse-Highland
708.478.8222 x225
linda@linjen.com
|
