Creating a safety culture in your business

Safety culture refers to the level of importance an organisation places on health and safety beliefs, values and attitudes. Essentially, it refers to how things are done in your workplace and the mindset behind it. The concept of safety culture looks beyond policies set in place to understand and determine the behaviours of the safety of all company stakeholders - from managers, employees and owners.

Advantages of safety culture

Creating a positive safety culture within a business can be a valuable asset. It has the ability to:

• Reduce the rate of injuries and accidents in the workplace
• Cut costs
• Increase employee morale and productivity

Businesses with a strong safety culture share similar characteristics, including:

• Valued employee safety from leadership
• Company commitment to changing the workplace environment for the better
• Employees feel empowered to take action and have ownership over the safety of themselves
• Investments in safety procedures, training programmes and equipment

How to build a safety culture?

Safety culture has a notable effect on how the health and safety strategy of your business is received and executed. We have outlined some fundamental tips for building an effective and beneficial safety culture within your business.

Define responsibilities

The starting of any safety culture within a business should begin with defined roles and responsibilities across the whole company at all levels. Making employees aware of their defined roles can help resolve any future issues and allows employees to hold ownership and accountability.

Open Communication

The basic foundation to creating a positive safety culture is open communication. Holding regular safety talks and inviting all members of employees to participate to share safety policies and updates, new initiatives and best practices as well as expectations can helps start a healthy dialogue within the workplace.

Develop a Positive Reporting Process

Changing the way in which a report system is implemented can improve safety culture as a whole. Developing a positive report system will allow employees to freely share safety concerns and report any hazards or issues by rewarding their efforts. A positive safety culture is easier to build and maintain when employees of all levels feel comfortable sharing issues and concerns.

Implement Training

Offering regularly training shows commitment to demonstrating safety within your business and its people. Providing employees the opportunity to have quality hands-on training to implement safety policies themselves, will allow them to take ownership and responsibility. Regularly reviewing key feedback and messages from training sessions can reinforce learning, particularly as your business starts to grow.

Invest in equipment

Allocating and investing in the correct equipment will help create a positive safety culture. While communicating about workplace safety is part of establishing a foundation, the correct equipment is also required. Depending on the industry, you may have to make structural improvements or invest in protective equipment and other safety tools for your employees.

At Oxford plastics, our wide range of site safety products are designed and manufactured to be long-lasting, high-quality, problem-solving equipment that minimise the risk of hazards. Our LowPro range makes covering excavations quick, quiet, and easy as well preventing any falls. Our OxBlock HiVis posts are alternatives to concrete block fence feet that help avoid any trips or falls within the workplace – ideal for construction sites or events. Find out more about our comprehensive range of products for your event or get in touch with our friendly team today.