Why Managers Make a Commitment to Safety
Managers commit to safety by investing time and resources to fulfill one or more of the following obligations: social, financial, or legal.
Will Gadd - Managing Risk and Being Safe
Social Obligation
When managers do safety to primarily fulfill this obligation, the company's safety culture tends to be more effective in the long run. This is because:
- managers perceive safety as a core corporate value even when facing challenges
- they understand that the company's survival depends on more than just short-term profits
- they value and promote the creative potential of every employee
- the company gains a better relationship with the community and enhances its reputation
When managers value safety at this level, the company experiences the long-term benefits that align with its vision, mission, and goals.
Financial Obligation
Managers commit to meeting their financial obligations to safety primarily because they:
- believe it makes good financial sense
- understand the financial benefits of an effective safety culture
- consider it important to conduct the business wisely
- are committed to reducing direct and indirect safety costs
- prioritize safety, but only if it pays
However, because safety is not really considered a core value, it may be deprioritized when "the going gets tough".
Legal Obligation
Commitment to safety is made solely to stay out of trouble with OSHA. As a result, managers:
- do only what is required to meet legal requirements
- assign little to no value to safety, viewing it as "just the cost of doing business"
- overlook safety concerns if they slow down production
- neglect to address safety hazards unless an accident occurs
- avoid communication or assistance from OSHA
Unfortunately, meeting safety obligations solely to avoid trouble is the least effective strategy. This approach can significantly increase both accidents and costs. At best, it is counterproductive and never leads to success.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-3. Managers who perceive safety as a core value are most likely to fulfill the company's _____.
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