Numerous studies have been done into how and why workplace accidents happen. The overarching theme seems to be that workers are more likely to value safety and comply with safety regulations if management visibly and proactively promote safety, and when there is a generally supportive atmosphere supporting health and wellbeing.
That umbrella of “culture” can feel quite ambiguous, so it helps to take a closer look at some of the more elementary reasons why employees may take unnecessary risks.
Some of these reasons can be:
1. Overestimating their abilities
Some people may assume they will be strong enough, fast enough, or smart enough to prevent an accident. They may believe they have enough experience to justify taking risks.
2. Familiarity blindness
When you have repeated a task a hundred times with no issue, it’s common to complete that job on autopilot. For example, often we can drive to a familiar place and realise we weren’t really present for the entire trip. This is unknown as “unconscious competence” and can make people unaware of potential dangers.
3. Over-reliance on protective measures
When using PPE and other safety equipment, workers might take bigger risks as they assume their gear will protect them from harm. In many cases, it should, but it’s important to communicate the limitations of this gear and emphasise that using it doesn’t exempt them from following other safety protocols.
4. Productivity pressure
Staff can receive mixed messages from management regarding productivity vs. safety. Following safety procedures can directly impact productivity, so workers may be conflicted as to which takes priority.
5. Organisational acceptance of risk-taking
If managers and mentors are seen taking risks or tolerating unsafe behaviour, workers tend to follow their lead. A lack of consequence for those who are cutting corners and ignoring procedures can also signal to staff that safety is not a priority.
Of course, this list is not exclusive. Many other factors can come into play, such as lack of knowledge and training, peer pressure, or low motivation.
How To Create A Positive Workplace Safety Culture
Culture is a hard thing to define, as it’s comprised of a multitude of aspects. No organisation has the same safety culture as another, so what works for one organisation may not work for another.
But generally speaking, a positive safety culture is one where managers and workers all prioritise and take responsibility for their own safety and that of others.
How to achieve that will vary, but there are steps you can take to set off in the right direction.
One study suggests that there are three vital cultural aspects to focus on:
● Actively looking for errors
● Being proactive when difficult situations arise
● Resolving conflicts constructively
Practical Workplace Safety Measures
In support of those three vital focus areas, there are some practical measures you can ensure are in place. Pay attention when your staff express concerns about workplace hazards. Take them seriously.
When risks have been identified, be prompt in implementing changes to show your workers that their safety is a priority. Don’t wait for serious incidents or near misses before you take action.
Communicate clearly about productivity expectations. Ensure that your staff know that safety should always come before productivity.
Provide the right equipment and tools for safe work practices. The investment may be higher for lone workers, but the pay-off in protecting your workers and creating a safety-conscious culture is worth it.
Ensure you discipline workers who are flaunting the rules according to your health and safety policy. This shows that unsafe behaviour is not tolerated and provides an incentive for other staff to be compliant.
While the regulations may be developed by management, all workers should have input into identifying hazards and developing safe working practices. Nobody understands the risks better than those working on the ground, and the more engaged they are, the stronger your workplace safety culture will be.
If you would like to know more about how you can create a culture of safety at your workplace, then reach out to us at Direct Safety today.