The training and implementation of your safety program is set up for failure without the emphasis on one key word: participation. If you do not have the participation of the workforce you don’t have a successful safety program. This is because it can be difficult to foster enthusiasm and cooperation when training involves sitting through a 3-hour safety training video or reminders like posters of smiling faces in hard hats and goggles.
Managers understand the importance of workers safety programs and the effect it has on their organization as a whole. Take a look at the Accountability Model
ProfessionalSafety published in their May 2013 edition,
Near-Miss Reporting. It breaks accountability into four steps and explains how, “Accountability entails defining expectations, providing training, defining metrics and recognizing outcomes.”
recognition portion of this diagram. Incentives are a powerful tool in the engagement process; the report states,
“After the announcement to all employees regarding the details of how the program would work and when it was to begin, employees showed little excitement or acknowledgment of the program. However, once rewards such as leaving early each day, special parking privileges and celebratory lunches starting happening, more crews became interested.”
Check out the
full report to learn more about overcoming barriers in your safety training program and vital measurement and recognition tools to foster a long-term safety program.
