How to create a safety culture in your workplace

According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) there were 609,000
self-reported non-fatal injuries to workers in 2016/17 and 137 workers killed at work in Great Britain.

But while legislation is in place to reduce these kinds of shocking statistics, only the creation of a strong safety culture in the workplace will bring about real change.

Health and safety needs to be something that the entire workforce understands, buys into and adheres to.

So, what are the essential ingredients required to create a workplace culture that places the health and safety of employees and colleagues at its heart?

Create a safety culture at work

Here are five ways to create a safety culture in your workplace:

1. Talk to your workforce
   Hold regular safety talks, led by members of staff, so that they feel they are playing a key part in creating the safety culture and get staff feedback on the effectiveness of existing health and safety processes. Good communication is key to greater understanding and acceptance.
2. Training
   Provide employees and contract staff with the chance to learn more about how to stay safe wherever they work. Opportunities for training not only show an organisation’s commitment to the wellbeing of its staff, but people who feel in-the-know about important issues are more likely to put them into practice.
3. Set a good example
   Follow the company safety policies and procedures impeccably yourself as this will encourage others to do the same. This includes wearing the correct PPE and safety clothing at all times and also maintaining your PPE appropriately.
4. Offer an incentive
   If you have found that safety hazards, accidents or concerns aren’t being reported enough, why not make it a positive experience, by offering some kind of reward for workers who do?
5. Keep your own health and safety training and knowledge up-to-date
   When you come across as well-informed, it not only gives team members added reassurance, but it encourages them to have a positive approach to workplace safety too.

Protecting your workforce

A safety culture is not so much about following the rules, but more about getting into the mindsets, attitudes and behaviour of the people you are trying to protect. First and foremost, everyone must realise that they are primarily responsible for their own safety.

By creating a positive environment, where opportunities for communication and training about health and safety issues are at the heart of how you work, you should be able to guarantee a higher take-up of health and safety procedures among your workforce and see less complacency about its importance.

For help and advice, or details of our extensive range of safety clothing and PPE – download the Contego Catalogue now, visit our website www.contegosafety.co.uk or contact our friendly team on 0800 122 3323 or sales@contegosafety.co.uk.