Part 1: Introduction
How safety culture plays a key role
“The success of the OH&S management system depends on leadership, commitment and participation from all levels and functions of the organization.”
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the best way to improve worker safety is by establishing strong health and safety programs that promote a positive safety culture.
A key element of success has been identified as “workforce participation and ownership of safety problems and solutions.”
Recognizing the benefits of participation is not a new concept. The 1918 annual report from the British chief inspector of factories and workshops explained that “if a real reduction in accidents is to take place, it can be affected only by the joint effort of employers and workers.”
Since 1989, OHSA's Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines have helped organizations decrease both the indirect and direct costs of workplace accidents.
Whether looking at your OH&S management system from the perspective of standardization or of culture, worker participation, and engagement are essential components.
But what is safety culture, and whose job is it to change it? If it’s not just a feeling, but about people doing the right thing, is behavior-based safety the answer? And does all of this just mean more work for over-worked safety professionals?
Key Terms
Engagement
To be invested and enthusiastic
Participation
Involvement in decision-making
Safety Culture
The commitment to, and style and proficiency of, an organization’s health and safety management
ISO 45001
The internationally agreed standard for occupational health and safety (OS&H) certification