A big barrier to improving health and safety performance in the workplace can be the existing culture – the attitude of your leaders and workers. How your organisation is governed is central to achieving a positive and effective safety culture. This means your leaders need to pay attention to the right things – this can be from what they notice and comment on, to what they measure, control and reward.
Talk with everyone together through structured conversations about safety. Lead through listening rather than telling. This is a great way to show the governance principles while learning what’s going on inside the organisation.
Communicate with everyone to make sure they know what’s going on with the business – why, how and what for. Give everyone the opportunity to contribute and know how they fit in.
If the governing body can’t do this, make sure management sets up good communication with the workforce and reports back on those conversations.
The conversations about safety will grow relationships and build trust over time. Set the tone and show your commitment to your safety strategy.
