Workplace safety starts with commitment from the top. Managers must be committed to workplace safety and supervisors must understand that safe production is the only way to do business.
Show commitment. What you say is important, what you do is critical. Lead by example; show your commitment to a safe workplace just as you do to any other crucial part of your business. Examples of management commitment:
- You have a written policy that emphasizes what workplace safety and health means to your business. A written policy establishes your commitment to a safe, healthful workplace; it should include clear expectations for all employees.
- You insist on finding the causes of accidents and near misses and work with your employees to ensure that they don’t happen again.
- You give employees the authority they need to carry out their safety and health responsibilities.
- You dedicate your time and commit the resources necessary to achieve safety and health goals.
- You attend safety committee meetings, review the meeting minutes, and act on the committee’s recommendations.
- You make sure employees follow safe work practices — and you follow them, too.