Several critical elements are involved in a strong health and safety culture, but it all begins with the people, says Safewise consultant Kaye Byrne.

Historically, the field of health and safety has often been characterised by a reliance on fear, issues and – at times – assigning blame. Individuals engaged in this sector often have a stereotype of being the “safety police”. It’s accurate to say that establishing regulations and enforcing their adherence is typically the initial step for most organisations, particularly those embarking on their journey into health and safety.

This approach to health and safety has its merits. After establishing the fundamental health and safety framework, it’s time to progress to the next phase. There are several critical elements to fostering a strong health and safety culture, but it all begins with the people.

Acknowledging that employees are accountable, strive to perform their tasks to the best of their ability, and desire to return home unharmed enables a collaborative work environment.

Begin by recognising that employment fluctuates and rarely follows our plans. Changes occur daily. These can range from the weather to what customers want to employees getting sick, equipment failures and more.

Whenever the job or the conditions change, employees adjust their behaviour to ensure the tasks are completed. Management might not be aware of these adjustments, especially if the results match their expectations. When we anticipate receiving products and actually receive them, we often overlook the process by which those products were made.

Research indicates that a work environment that fails to report accidents, incidents and close calls is more prone to major disasters. This could point to an underlying issue with the company’s culture. By visiting the workplace and engaging with employees, one can observe and listen to the daily operations.

Enquiring about successful projects and those that didn’t meet expectations, along with the reasons behind their outcomes, can provide valuable insights for management. Such interactions also foster a sense of involvement among employees in both their work and safety protocols.

Spend time listening and exploring the premises. Encourage employees by acknowledging their ideas, recognising their efforts and instilling a sense of pride and community. This approach can transform the workplace into a desirable environment, boosting employee pride in their work, leading to higher quality output and reduced downtime.

A shift in mindset and persistence might be necessary, but the benefits will be significant in the long term.