Eye on Safety: Making safety a part of your culture

In the wholesale-distribution business, safety must be a top priority. In a fast-paced environment where employees are handling heavy equipment, moving large objects, and operating machinery, the potential for accidents and injuries is always present.

A culture of safety needs to be championed at all levels of the organization to ensure that everyone is aware of the importance of safety and takes the necessary steps to prevent accidents. In this article, we will explore why a culture of safety can be beneficial to business owners, and actionable strategies to begin growing a culture of safety at your organization.

According to a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management, 93% of employees believe that their employers are responsible for ensuring their safety and health at work. Are you stepping up to the plate?

SAFETY STARTS AT THE TOP

A culture of safety starts with the leadership of the organization. Without their buy-in and commitment, it can be challenging to create a safety culture that is truly effective. Company leaders must recognize the importance of safety as a core value and prioritize it in all aspects of the organization, even if sometimes the direct benefits are intangible.

Leadership must invest the necessary resources and training to ensure that employees can work safely and comfortably. Beyond this, leaders must champion open communication where employees can report unsafe conditions or practices without fear of retaliation. They must also lead by example, demonstrating their commitment to safety through their actions and decisions. Safety should not just be a checkbox item, but something that is integrated into the day-to-day operations of the business.

At the same time, employees need to be empowered to take ownership of their safety. They should be encouraged to speak up if they see something unsafe or if they feel uncomfortable performing a task. Consider implementing feedback mechanisms like an anonymous “tip hotline” or drop-box. Encourage your employees to take ownership and cultivate an environment that eliminates fear of retaliation for reporting safety concerns.

SAFETY AND PROFITABILITY GO HAND-IN-HAND

Safety and profitability are also closely related. While it may seem like safety is an added expense to the bottom line, in reality, a focus on safety can lead to increased profitability in the long term.

Accidents and injuries can be costly. When an accident occurs, it can result in medical expenses, lost workdays, and potential lawsuits. These costs can quickly add up and negatively impact the company's profitability. By prioritizing safety and preventing accidents from occurring, companies can avoid these costs and maintain a healthy bottom line.

According to the National Safety Council's 2021 Injury Facts report, the average cost of a non-fatal injury in the wholesale and retail trade sector was $42,800 in 2019. This includes direct costs such as medical expenses and indirect costs such as lost productivity and wages.

On a more practical note, regulatory compliance is essential in the wholesale-distribution industry. Companies must comply with a variety of regulations, including health and safety regulations, to avoid potential fines and legal issues. By prioritizing safety and ensuring regulatory compliance, companies can avoid these costs and maintain a healthy bottom line.

SAFETY IMPACTS TALENT ACQUISITION & RETENTION

Attraction and retention of top talent may not seem related to safety on the surface, but in actuality, a strong safety program can actually boost valuable employee recruitment and enhance retention across the organization.

According to a survey conducted by the National Safety Council, employees who believe their employers prioritize safety reported higher levels of job satisfaction. In fact, 81% of respondents said that safety is important to them, and 66% said they would be willing to sacrifice pay for a safer work environment.

A strong safety program shows that the company is committed to the well-being of its employees, which can help retain current employees and attract new ones who prioritize safety and health. When employees feel that their safety is a priority, they are more likely to trust and be loyal to their employer. This can help with retention, as employees are less likely to leave for other opportunities.

A study by the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety found that companies with strong safety programs had 52% fewer lost workdays due to injuries and illnesses, and employees at these companies reported 13% higher job satisfaction compared to companies with weaker safety programs.

SAFETY IMPACTS MORALE AND PRODUCTIVITY

In addition, a focus on safety can improve employee morale and productivity. When employees feel safe and comfortable in their work environment, they are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. On the other hand, when employees feel unsafe or perceive that their employer does not prioritize safety, they may become disengaged, leading to lower productivity and potential turnover.

Similarly, a study by the National Safety Council found that companies with strong safety cultures had 70% fewer safety incidents and 51% lower voluntary turnover rates than companies with weak safety cultures.

STRATEGIES FOR PROMOTING SAFETY AT THE ORGANIZATIONAL LEVEL

To kick-start your commitment to a culture of safety at your business, consider these actionable strategies you can begin incorporating immediately:

Create a Safety Committee
One of the best ways to promote safety is to create a safety committee. This committee should be composed of employees from various departments within the organization who have different levels of experience and knowledge. The committee should be responsible for reviewing safety policies and procedures, identifying potential hazards, and recommending solutions to prevent accidents. They should also be responsible for educating other employees on safety best practices.
Recognize Safe Behaviors
Another way to champion safety is to recognize and reward safe behavior. This could be as simple as praising employees who report unsafe conditions or who demonstrate safe working practices. A word of caution: OSHA is clear on the appropriate way to incentivize for safety, and it’s a fine line. Some employers may establish programs that unintentionally or intentionally provide an incentive to not report injuries. For example, a team of employees might be awarded a bonus if no one from the team is injured over some period of time. Such programs might be well-intentioned efforts, however, there are better ways to encourage safe work practices, such as incentives that promote worker participation in safety-related activities, such as identifying hazards or participating in investigations of injuries, incidents or "near misses”.
Provide Regular Training for Safety
Undoubtedly, regular safety training should be provided to all employees. This training should be tailored to the specific needs of the organization and should cover topics such as hazard identification, safe lifting techniques, and proper use of equipment. Regular safety meetings should also be held to discuss safety-related issues and to provide a forum for employees to ask questions and voice concerns.
Provide Employees with the Right Tools
Something as simple as access to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is clean and in good repair can mean the difference between getting hurt on the job.

Be sure you have the appropriate equipment available to get the job done safety, and continually invest in new equipment when old equipment becomes outdated.

Create a safety checklist for the start of each project or job, and ensure that employees know how to safely execute their work.

SUMMING IT ALL UP

A safety culture is not just about checking checkboxes or completing a list of safety-related tasks. Rather, it is a way of thinking and operating that prioritizes safety in all aspects of the organization.

A safety culture starts with leadership. Leaders must prioritize safety and demonstrate a commitment to safety in all aspects of the organization. Furthermore, a safety culture is not just about complying with regulations or meeting certain safety standards. It goes beyond mere compliance and focuses on creating a mindset of safety throughout the organization. This means promoting safety as a core value of the organization and integrating safety into all aspects of the business.

A safety culture involves active participation from all employees, not just those in safety-related roles. Every employee, regardless of their role, should be aware of the importance of safety and should be empowered to take ownership of their safety. This can involve reporting unsafe conditions or practices, speaking up if they feel uncomfortable performing a task, or suggesting improvements to promote safety.

Cultivating a safety culture requires ongoing effort and commitment. It cannot be achieved overnight, and it requires ongoing training, education, and communication to maintain. Leaders must continuously reinforce the importance of safety and encourage employees to prioritize safety in all aspects of their work.

By promoting a safety culture, organizations can create a safer and more productive work environment, improve employee morale and productivity, and maintain a positive reputation.