(This is part two of a set of blog posts. They are written to support and help corporate leadership understand the differences in compliance versus engagement within safety programs. In part one, Dimensions discusses compliance-driven programs. In this post, we discuss the advantages of a caring, culturally-driven safety program, and bring understanding to this important and successful process.)
PART 2 (Engagement in Safety Programs)
In a corporate safety program based on compassion and commitment, the workforce is always considered the most important stakeholder. This focus includes the involvement of everyone in the organization. By creating a safety program based on relational consideration, the company establishes a culture where safety becomes a continuous and sustainable element even in the occasions when management is not involved.
When companies truly care about individual and professional well- being, everything is managed within an environment of understanding. The emphasis on employee well-being, over and above what the law requires, is a critical component. In these types of programs, leadership is concerned that everyone is involved, rather than everyone simply getting a generic package of information and related material. This commitment is immediately obvious to the worker in very powerful yet subtle ways. The safety process is no longer perceived as just a method of maintaining control, and meeting the basic requirements of the law; it is now perceived as being trust- based.
In a similar example, think about how a veteran employee trains a new hire. Initially, the work skills are familiar only to the more seasoned worker, but with patience and persistence, this commitment and engagement allow the new employee the time to learn. As the employee grows in both career and loyalty, the individual remembers how important the initial process was for growth and relationship.
Participative organizations on board and train in this manner because they care about the people; although enforcement is still a part of the culture in the areas of contribution and performance, engagement is the heart of the culture.
Helping employees understand safety in this same kind of manner, offers a better understanding to workplace safety. Education is critical. Yet, it is more than information, it is about example. Management must spend time in the field with every employee and assist them in the principles of safety. Once a few employees understand the safety program, they will support and help instruct others. In informal learning, the transference of knowledge moves through the organization. Much like in the veteran to hire training scenario, the awareness gets spread from employee to employee. At the same time, the message that leadership really cares about work safety is continually communicated.
Changing the focus from compliance to caring in safety programs is not a simple task, but can be done with practice and patience. Change does not happen overnight. Employees who have been accustomed to safety compliance will take a while to get accustomed to the new participative way. Building trust takes time. Once safety is considered an investment to everyone, the program will function better and the efforts will grow.
By practicing a compassionate and engaged approach, the organization builds on a culture of openness and trust. Just as we have explained the compliance approach, the caring approach offers a multitude of benefits. Management must safety violations in a constructive way through understanding and a commitment to the individual. The engagement establishes a true culture of caring. Safety is too important. The well-being of everyone depends on it.
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This blog post (one of two in series) on workplace safety and engagement is brought to you by the team of professionals at Dimensions- OHS, Inc. a Certified B-Corp member. Dimensions is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina and are dedicated to responsibility, integrity, sustainability and world good.
Dimensions-OHS, Inc.
8374-104 Six Forks Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
Contact us here or call 919 676 2877
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