People are the most important asset in any organisation, and ensuring everyone gets home healthy and safe at the end of each day is paramount. To achieve this, it is vital that every organisation is committed to building a health and safety culture that reinforces the idea that health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. This type of culture is not determined by a single factor, but by a combination of strong leadership, a supportive environment, and positive behaviour.
An organisation’s health and safety culture starts with its leaders. Their words and actions create the framework of acceptable behaviour and form the foundation of an organisation’s culture. By leading by example and considering health and safety in business planning and decision-making, leaders set clear expectations for the rest of the organisation.
Leaders also have the opportunity to introduce organisational KPIs and measures that can drive the correct culture. By ensuring these measures complement financial targets, leaders illustrate the organisation’s commitment to, and value of, health and safety.
In addition, leaders carry the responsibility of ensuring the workplace environment supports a positive health and safety culture. They must be fair, reasonable, and consistent when responding to health and safety events, as well as recognise and encourage behaviour that promotes safety.
Organisations committed to creating a positive health and safety culture surround their employees with an environment that encourages safety-conscious decision-making. This includes providing the right physical setting and equipment to perform tasks safely, supported by strong policies and well-considered procedures.
Policies and procedures should clearly outline employee expectations, how they will be monitored, and the consequences of non-compliance. These policies should also be continuously monitored, reviewed, and refined to ensure they remain fit-for-purpose. This ongoing attention ensures that everyone understands their role in health and safety, embedding it into the organisation’s culture.
While strong leadership and the right environment are crucial, they can only take an organisation so far in creating an effective health and safety culture. These factors must be reinforced by the right behaviours across all levels of the organisation.
‘Behaviour’ means taking ownership and accountability for one’s actions, as well as the actions of others. Workers can sometimes become complacent, as health and safety isn’t always at the forefront of an employee’s mind during daily tasks. This is why worker engagement is a vital part of fostering a positive health and safety culture.
Encouraging staff to use their experience and expertise to identify potential hazards and contribute to the development of policies and procedures raises awareness and increases the likelihood of those policies being adopted. Employees must also be kept up-to-date, encouraged to adhere to company policies, and given opportunities to close any gaps in their understanding.
Management should actively invite staff to speak openly about health and safety, offering ongoing opportunities to raise concerns and provide feedback.
Building a health and safety culture takes time and effort, but by focusing on leadership, environment, and behaviour, it is both achievable and worthwhile. Ensuring that health and safety is ingrained at all levels of the organisation creates a safer, more productive workplace for everyone.
