Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining a positive safety culture. The way leaders act, communicate and prioritise safety directly influences the attitudes and actions of everyone within the organisation.
When leaders prioritise safety, employees follow.
What is safety culture?
Safety culture is the combination of mindset, attitudes and behaviours around safety within an organisation.
“It is what people do when no one is watching whether safety rules are followed or ignored.
What does a strong leadership in safety means?
When safety is embedded into daily operations by leaders, it becomes second nature to everyone.
- Being visible
- Holding themselves and their teams accountable
- Investing in the right tools and training
- Encouraging reporting and taking action
Challenges to building a positive safety culture.
When leadership lacks commitment, drive or competence, it can undermine the development of an effective safety culture.
- Inconsistent enforcement of safety rules
- Delayed response to safety concerns
- New procedures not getting enforced
- Reduction in employee engagement
- Lack of investment in training or equipment
- Resistance to change
- Time pressure and productivity demands over safety creeping in
- Increasing risk of incidents/accidents
What is the benefit of having strong leadership in safety culture for your organisation?
- Increased productivity and talent retention – Workers who feel safe and supported are more focused, efficient and productive and are more likely to stay with the company. This also contributes to improved employee morale.
- Enhanced business continuity due to fewer incidents and less disruption.
- Greater profitability – Reducing safety events, leads to reduced legal expenses and reduction in fines for no-compliance.
- Enhanced reputation – Customers, partners, and prospective employees are drawn to organisations that demonstrate a genuine commitment to safety.
How can leaders enhance Safety Culture?
To build a strong safety culture it is important to maintain a consistent effort, which can be achieved through:
L.E.A.R.N. I.T.
L – Leading by example
E – Engaging employees
A – Acting quickly on concerns
R – Recognising and rewarding safe behaviour
N – Nurturing consistency
I – Investing in training
T – Talking clearly and openly
Partner with Ebeni
Ebeni stands ready to support you in your journey towards proactive safety management and a positive and engaged safety culture.