The success and reputation of a company rely on several factors, such as the quality of products, customer service excellence, and track record in the market. But the way you treat your customers and partners is not the only parameter of success. It is equally vital to take care of your workers so that you build a reputation as an employer. Think beyond enticing your employees with competitive pay packages, benefits, incentives, holidays, and flexible work models.
A focus on workplace safety goes a long way to keep them happy and productive in the long haul. In fact, safety should be a part of your company culture. But you cannot take a set-and-forget approach to build a safety culture for your business. Assess it consistently and rework it when you see gaps because workforce safety is the last thing you should compromise. Here are a few signs indicating the need the revamp your company culture for a safer and healthier workplace.
Lack of Employee Interest
If your employees show no interest in safety and well-being, you probably need to rethink your policies and culture. A robust culture needs the involvement of everyone, including the directors, managers, supervisors, and team members. All of them should consider safety as a personal responsibility, regardless of their roles and positions in the company. You can do your bit by providing training on safe work practices, investing in advanced equipment, and implementing a robust policy. Incentivizing people who try to prevent workplace accidents is a good idea as it sets an example for others.
Poor Compliance
Poor compliance is another sign you should not overlook because you may end up paying hefty penalties to the authorities. Every business owner has some responsibilities as an employer. Failing to comply with them leads to fines and enforcement action. You may even get into trouble without a workplace accident when the authorities inspect your premises and find inconsistencies. Avoiding the situation is easy, provided you are willing to address the gaps and revamp your safety policies and procedures. The effort and expense are worthwhile because they keep your company ahead of compliance and ensure safety as well.
Low or No Safety Budget
If your company has a low or no safety budget, you are skimping on a key investment. Missing out on it entails more risks and costs than you imagine. You may have to deal with workplace accidents, pay hefty penalties for being non-compliant, and spend a fortune on training. Lawsuits are an even bigger concern because an injured worker will hire a lawyer for personal injury cases to fight for compensation. The cost of litigation and compensation can easily burn a hole in your budget. Moreover, mishaps hurt your employee’s productivity, motivation, and confidence. It is better to allocate a bigger budget to safety and steer clear of these unnecessary expenses and hassles.
Communication and Reporting Issues
Communication and reporting issues are another sign that your culture has inherent gaps. Identifying near misses can prevent future accidents and give insights into improving your systems to create a safer workplace. But employees may hesitate to report accidents or near misses because of sheer laziness or low confidence. It leads to missed opportunities to fix things for the better. Besides poor reporting, gaps in investigation and analysis are also serious concerns. You can improve your culture by improving communication, investing in resources, and providing strong leadership to drive safety initiatives for your business.
Profitability Matters Much More Than Safety
Profitability is undoubtedly the prime objective of any business, but it shouldn’t be the only priority. If a balance between profitability and safety is missing in your organization, your company culture definitely requires reworking. Many business owners consider safety a cost, and avoiding it is apparently a way to cut costs for the company. Embrace a mindset that perceives it as a long-term investment for your business. Moreover, remember that it is an essential investment that saves you a fortune down the line and makes your company an ideal one for employees. A transition in your culture is a worthy effort you must make without second thoughts.
A safety-first culture empowers your business in more than one way. It consolidates your reputation as an employer and provider and sets you apart in the competitive landscape. You must go the extra mile to assess the current systems and seal the gaps in them. It is a small price for a happy and productive workforce willing to stay with your company for the long haul.
