Leaders Involve Workers
Including worker input at every step of safety management system (SMS) design, development, and deployment improves the employer's ability to identify the presence and causes of workplace hazards, creates a sense of program ownership among workers, enhances their understanding of how the program works, and helps sustain the program over time.
Below are actions leaders can take to show a strong commitment to employee involvement in the design, development, and deployment of the SMS:
- Report hazards and develop solutions that improve safety and health.
- Analyze hazards in each step of routine and non-routine jobs, tasks, and processes.
- Conduct site safety inspections.
- Develop and revise safety procedures and practices.
- Participate in incident and accident investigations.
- Help design and conduct safety training.
Leaders Remove Barriers
Effective leaders understand that to participate meaningfully in a program, workers must think and feel that their input is welcome, their voices will be heard, and they can access reporting mechanisms.
4 Ways to Stop Safety Complacency
Participation will suffer if language, education, or skill levels in the workplace are not considered, or if workers fear retaliation or discrimination for speaking up.
For example, employees will not participate if investigations focus on blaming individuals rather than the underlying root causes that led to the incident, or if reporting an incident or concern could jeopardize the award of incentive-based prizes, rewards, or bonuses. Below are more actions leaders can take to show a commitment to removing barriers to participation in safety.
- Ensure equality of opportunity to participate. Workers from all levels of the organization have a chance to participate regardless of their skill level, education, or language.
- Provide frequent and regular feedback to show employees that their safety and health concerns are being heard and addressed.
- Authorize sufficient time and resources to facilitate worker participation; for example, hold safety and health meetings during regular working hours.
- Ensure that the program protects workers from being retaliated against for reporting injuries, illnesses, and hazards; participating in the program; or exercising their safety and health rights.
- Ensure other policies and programs do not discourage worker participation.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-4. What is the result if leaders focus on blaming individuals rather than uncovering root causes?
You forgot to answer the question!