Humans can rise to the occasion at work when there’s a cultural value of belonging. The need to be a part of something more significant than one’s self is an innate trait. Taking advantage of this trait can have a profound impact on your fire prevention efforts.
Over time we have evolved to collaborate and it’s a matter of instinct to help each other. Science tells us that helping someone releases a happy hormone, which makes us want to seek out other positive interactions rooted in group trust. In other words, we’re predisposed to teamwork.
Here’s how you can bring these concepts to life in 2023 and beyond:
- Frame safety as a team sport.
I’m sure you have dealt with situations where one worker sees another performing a task unsafely but doesn’t speak up. Safety programs that promote looking out for others can help create a workplace where safety is approached as a collective effort. In execution, workers look out for each other rather than tattling or trying to get someone in trouble. In a team-centered organization, employees think about the common good and act accordingly to mitigate hazards.
2. Keep the workforce informed about changes.
Safety managers should communicate updates to workplace safety policies, materials used, hazards and other operational procedures in a timely fashion. Remember that ignorance is the primary reason for accidents and injuries in the workplace.
3. Provide regular and consistent training to employees.
Professional development should be integrated into your culture of safety. Whether it’s a tutorial on using new equipment, honing new skills, or engaging them in the fire prevention process, such training is essential to mold your workforce into a unit that depends on and helps each other.
4. Encourage suggestions and feedback.
More often than not, the best safety suggestions come from employees, since they’re the ones in the trenches. Listen to their ideas for making the workplace safer…and thank them for their insight.
5. Reward safe behavior.
People want to feel seen at work, especially when doing a good job. Provide ample positive feedback and reward employees when they shine.
6. CALL IN employees when you notice unsafe behavior.
Notice I specified call in, not out. Calling out is useful when you need to let someone know when their behavior is unacceptable or when it must be interrupted to avoid causing more harm. This is also a signal to the broader community. Calling in is helpful if you want to engage someone in a deeper discussion, understanding and reflection.
7. Broaden your team
Your team includes not just employees but your contractors, vendors, and your fire department too. When everyone is engaged and working toward a common goal, that’s when the magic happens.
On that note, IC Fire Prevention is uniquely qualified to assess facilities for deficiencies and engage employees in the fire prevention process. Give me a call at (260) 241-2256 or send me a message at kkunze@icfireprevention.com to learn more.
In safety,
Kenn
