Safety culture is creating an environment where safety is deeply rooted in all facets of a company, writes Safewise consultant Kaye Byrne.

According to the WorkSafe Data Centre, as of 17 July 2024, there have been 25 work-related deaths, compared with 37 work-related deaths in 2023. Although there has been progress in strengthening workplace safety, the data indicates further efforts are needed.

Developing a solid safety culture is a critical step beyond just following regulations. Safety culture creates an environment where safety is deeply rooted in all facets of a company.

Safety culture involves a holistic method of safety management in a work environment. It includes the combined beliefs, views and attitudes of staff toward the welfare of workers and the general safety of the workplace. It is essential for ensuring a secure work environment. It can impact how humans perform safety-related tasks, which can affect the organisation’s safety performance.

Key elements of a strong safety culture

Leadership
Strong leadership commitment is essential for building a successful safety culture. Leaders can create the environment and set the course for the entire organisation. This dedication filters through, impacting all staff members and establishing a collective duty for safety.

Employee participation
Ensuring safety requires everyone’s input. When workers engage in safety initiatives, they become invested in the organisation’s and their coworkers’ welfare. Involvement can vary from identifying dangers to participation in safety committees.

Effective communication that is open and honest
Effective communication is the foundation of a culture of safety. Promoting open communication guarantees that all individuals can freely address mistakes or propose enhancements without worrying about facing consequences. This fosters a forward-thinking approach to safety, highlighting the significance of precautionary actions.

Continuous improvement
A safety culture is always changing and adapting to deal with new risks that arise. Continuous improvement is about reviewing procedures, integrating feedback and keeping up-to-date with industry advancements to improve safety protocols and ensure that they are effective for your organisation and workers.

Management of staffing and workload safety
Organisations need to ensure their employees have the required skills and knowledge to complete their tasks safely. This involves maintaining adequate staffing and effectively managing workloads to reduce the risks of fatigue and stress.

The importance of implementing a safety culture

Despite facing obstacles, establishing a safety culture is essential for:

Adherence to laws and regulations
Emphasising safety culture helps organisations meet local, regional and international regulations, preventing legal safety problems and penalties while enhancing overall safety culture.

Management of potential risks
An important aspect of safety culture is recognising and controlling risks to prevent incidents. Taking proactive measures reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, ensuring the safety of employees and assets.

Managing one’s reputation
Reputation in a professional setting refers to how the public views a company, including its offerings and fundamental beliefs. Showing a strong safety culture can improve the company’s image and benefit the business.

The concept of maintaining sustainability
Fostering a culture of safety is a valuable investment in a company’s ongoing success. Giving importance to the wellbeing of employees and establishing a safe work environment helps to build trust, loyalty and dedication among employees, resulting in increased productivity and success.

Fundamentally, an investment in an organisation’s long-term viability is a safety culture. Putting employee wellbeing first and establishing a secure work environment encourages commitment, trust and loyalty among all employees, which boosts output and success. However, establishing a safety culture can be hard. Once it is established, It doesn’t take much work to maintain it, but with poor commitment and management, an organisation can lose its safety culture in a blink of an eye.