Keep you safe, really?

The title of this post is absolutely ludicrous. Certainly most of you are scoffing at the idea that we would even bring this topic up, that is the topic of safety. Are you the one saying, "hey I already provide safety for my workers". One of the most ridiculous parts of this title and subject is the interpretation of what providing safety is all about. We have all heard the slogans, safety is job one, safety is our responsibility, so many times in so many companies it is simply lip service. Has safety in your organization devolved similar to training, you are basically providing whatever is required to keep you "legal" and in compliance? If so, shame on you.

In my mind safety it is not about the OSHA 10 course or the video on slips trips and falls, instead it is about the company and its culture. Down deep inside all of us, forgetting about the influence that business and margins may have on some of our decisions, we want to keep everybody safe. Unfortunately sometimes our desires to keep folks safe are at cross purposes with the required safety and costs.  Certainly delivering the appropriate safety is a requirement, yet if you really want a safe environment, promote it from every fiber of your being.

The work environment has a lot to do with safety as well, are you putting folks inadvertently in unsafe conditions? Are you so callused or aggressive in discipline with your employees that they are going to "stick it to the man" and drive your recordable incidents and insurance mod rates through the roof? In my experience people really do want to do the right thing we just need to be sincere in our approach and expectations of a safe working environment. When your workers truly believe that their safety is at the center of your risk-based initiatives you will get them on board.