How To Establish A Safety Culture

It's never easy to change a deeply ingrained 'carefree' attitude about safety. But it can be done. Some of the well established principles used to create change - and develop a safety culture – are set out below:

• Management must accept direct responsibility for preventing work-related injuries and illness.



• There must be a genuine and visible commitment from top management to improve safety. This is the most important element.



• The Company must believe that high standards are achievable through proper management – though this takes time, interest and sustained effort.



• Health and safety should be seen to be just as important as production, quality and cost control. It must be properly resourced.



• The workforce has to be encouraged to take 'ownership' of the health and safety programme. This requires employee involvement, training and communication.



• Safety awareness does not come naturally. Management must teach, motivate and sustain employee safety knowledge.



• There must be a systematic identification and assessment of hazards. Management must set realistic and achievable targets to eliminate or reduce known risks.



• Proper safety audits must be conducted.



• Deficiencies revealed by an investigation or audit should be remedied promptly.



• All accidents (including 'near misses') should be thoroughly investigated.



• Enthusiasm and good results should be rewarded.

These rules are adapted from the 'Du Pont 10 Principles of Safety'