Successful Leaders are "Proactive"
Don't Just React to Safety
It's unfortunate, but some companies adopt a reactive approach to safety and health, assuming accidents just "happen" and that little can be done to prevent them.
This ostrich-like approach emphasizes corrective actions only after an injury or illness, hoping that it might save money in the long run.
However, reactive safety programs always cost more than proactive ones, without exception. Why? Because they end up incurring much higher accident-related expenses.
Moreover, when management adopts a reactive approach to safety and health, it conveys to employees that the priority is money, not their safety.
Be Business Smart: Be Proactive
Successful companies embrace a proactive strategy, emphasizing accident prevention. They commit to doing whatever it takes to ensure accidents don't occur in the workplace, holding the belief that there's no valid excuse for an accident. Corrective actions are implemented before any accident takes place.
By prioritizing accident prevention, management not only saves money but also sends a resounding message: employees are valued more than profits.
Proactive safety strategies are invariably more cost-effective than reactive ones. This is because the company's investment in safety and health can result in substantial reductions in accident-related expenses.
Examples of reactive safety and health programs in which corrective measures are taken only after an accident.
- Incident/Accident investigation that only determines blame
- Early return to work program
- Incentive programs that cause employees to not report incidents/accidents
Examples of proactive safety and health programs in which corrective measures are taken before an accident.
- Incident/Accident analysis to determine root causes
- Hazard investigation - inspections
- Wellness program
- Incentive/Recognition program that rewards safe behavior
- Safety committees/teams
- Education and Training
- Job Hazard Analysis
- Hazard communication program
- Lockout/Tagout program
- Confined Space program
- Disciplinary program if tied to behaviors
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-10. Which of the following strategies emphasizes prevention of accidents?
You forgot to answer the question!