After seeing the yearly statistics of the US Department of Labor about the number of accidents at work, it becomes clear why so much attention is being drawn to the importance of having a strong safety culture at the workplace.
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What is a safety culture?
A combination of work procedures, employees’ behavior, and attitude to work define the culture in the organization. When joining the team, every new employee has their own vision. Thus education about the shared company’s values should be the initial task of each employer.
A strong culture makes people move in the same direction and work for the same goals while keeping them safe, whereas lack of such culture brings chaos, conflict, and multiple accidents due to miscommunication.
6 ways to create a safety culture in the construction industry
A strong safety culture cannot be built within a day or two. You need to be patient, and the fruits of your work will be visible in the long term.
1. Safety first
The employees should know that their top priority at the construction site is safety. To gain such knowledge, it is required that every worker completes a site safety course during which they learn about safety procedures and their importance.
2. Everyone matters
The employees must understand that safety is not a one-person job. Everyone should be responsible for their actions and accountable for the consequences. Only the teamwork and input of every laborer into a safety culture can create an environment free of accidents and fatalities.
3. Caring is sharing
Restraining the information from employees will not bring you anywhere good. Make sure you invest in useful training for each worker and share knowledge with them, depending on their position. For example, an epa lead paint course can be a lifesaver for those who work with harmful substances or a scaffolding course for those working on altitudes.
4. Education is a key
Regular site safety courses help to prevent injuries and accidents at work. It is not enough to complete one training upon joining the company. The new equipment appears every year, and the new procedures come into play. Thus, staying up-to-day with such information can be a game-changer at the construction site.
5. Safety Meetings and Inspections
It is difficult to admit, but it is true that we are more likely to do things right if we know that someone is going to check on us. Completing an osha 10 hour course is great but having a supervisor or regular inspections is crucial. It helps not only to detect the deficiencies but also to fix them.
6. Need for Support
To build a strong safety culture means to be there for the employees when they need it. One presentation or training is not enough. Giving constant support is something that the workers will value and that will unite them for a common goal – safety.
