Mark Middlesworth is the Founder of Ergonomics Plus, has written a great article on safety culture. To see the whole article please go to; https://ergo-plus.com/25-signs-you-have-an-awesome-safety-culture/
According to OSHA, “Safety cultures consist of shared beliefs, practices, and attitudes that exist at an establishment. Culture is the atmosphere created by those beliefs, attitudes, etc., which shape our behavior.”
By definition, safety culture is difficult to measure. How do you measure values, attitudes, and beliefs?
The following are 25 ways to tell whether or not you have an awesome safety culture. If you can answer yes to most of these, you’re doing great. Keep it up!
If not, you have some work to do. Don’t be discouraged, culture change takes time and perseverance.
1. There is visible leadership commitment at all levels of the organization.
2. All employees throughout the organization exhibit a working knowledge of health and safety topics.
3. There is a clear definition of the desired culture the organization wishes to achieve.
4. There is a lack of competing priorities – safety comes in first every time!
5. There is visible evidence of financial investment in health and safety.
6. Opportunities for improvement are identified and resolved before a problem occurs.
7. There is regular, facility-wide communication on health and safety topics.
8. A fair and just discipline system is in place for all employees.
9. There is meaningful involvement in health and safety from everyone in the organization.
10. Managers spend an adequate amount of time out on the shop floor, where the people are.
11. Participation rates are at an all-time high, indicating that employees are highly motivated and your marketing of health and safety initiatives is effective.
12. Employees are actively engaged in health and safety initiatives, producing tangible results for your company.
13. Your employees report high job satisfaction due to the company’s commitment to their health and well-being.
14. Safety is the first item on the agenda of every meeting.
15. Employees feel comfortable reporting safety issues to their supervisors.
16. Regular, detailed audits of the company’s health and safety program are conducted by an external auditor.
17. Rewards and recognition of good behaviors are regularly given and serve to motivate continued health and safety performance.
18. Safety is a condition of employment.
19. Managers and supervisors respond positively to safety issues that are raised.
20. Safety is viewed as an investment, not a cost.
21. A high standard exists for accurate and detailed reporting of injuries and illnesses – nothing is swept under the rug!
22. There is a concrete definition of what success looks like for your health and safety program.
23. The organization has the willpower to make major changes when necessary.
24. Safety issues are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.
25. All employees throughout the organization are empowered with the necessary resources and authority to find and fix problems as they see them.
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