Page 21 - Magazine - 26-5-2022.cdr

SAFETY ARTICLE

1. Strengthen Management commitment

Management commitment produces higher levels of motivation and concern for health and safety
throughout the organization. It is indicated by the proportion of resources (time, money, people) and
support allocated to health and safety management and by the status given to health and safety versus
production, cost, etc. Evaluate whether the resources allocated are suitable in comparison to the size
and nature of your organization and make desirable changes. Communicate the organization's mission
statement or policy by displaying it at all strategic locations or through emails to every employee.

2. Improve Management Involvement and Participation

Senior management needs to lead by example when it comes to Health and Safety. Organize planned as
well as surprise walkthrough of management on the shop floor. Managers need to be seen to lead by
example. Train your management to talk about safety and visibly demonstrate their commitment by
their actions – such as stopping production to resolve issues, compliance to PPE, etc.

3. Establish effective Employee communication

Establish effective two-way communication between all levels of employees. Make a general practice
to start your day with a safety toolbox talk. Active employee participation in safety is important, to build
ownership of safety at all levels and exploit the unique knowledge that employees have of their work.
Nominate employees from all levels and ensure their active involvement in workshops, risk
assessments, accident investigations, safety committee meetings, plant design, modification, etc.

4. Focus on Employee Training Programs

Training helps the employees to recognize safety hazards and correct them. It enables them to
understand best safety practices, expectations of the management, and requirements of the safety
management system followed by the organization. Perform a training need analysis to identify the
training requirement in your organization and make a training plan covering employee at all levels.
Evaluate the effectiveness of your training programs through assessments and surveys.

5. Implement Safety Enforcement and Monitoring

Finding and fixing problems is as important as developing a safety program. Implement effective
workplace inspection programs, establish accountability, and take action on findings to demonstrate
the commitment to providing a safe workplace. Evaluate your findings periodically to assess the
effectiveness of your safety management system by following the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.

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