Workplace Safety

3. The Distraction of Management

Management can be a positive or negative force for employee safety. When managers, supervisors and employees do not share a common belief about safety, communications become inconsistent about expectations regarding safe work practices. Research shows that what management pays attention to, employees pay attention to. If employees constantly hear about the need to reduce costs, increase production and improve quality — and hear little or nothing about safety — their focus of attention will be on everything except safety. Be a positive influence by demonstrating a personal interest in and commitment to employees’ well-being and safety on the job.

4. The Distraction of Money

I hear from several safety professionals in the organizations we work with that the budget drives many of the decisions that are made in corporations. One safety director told me that the budget for safety had been reduced significantly the previous year. The result? Employees received less training, aging equipment was not replaced and the number of recordable injuries went up. Another organization I worked with had given its safety director the authority to make any expenditure he felt was necessary to achieve a safe workplace – no questions asked. This organization works to make sure that money is not a distraction.