In my experience within manufacturing operations, I’ve seen firsthand how essential it is to prioritize both efficiency and safety. A well-structured operational framework, backed by clear communication and leadership development, is key to maintaining high performance across the board. One thing I’ve found helpful is empowering teams with decision-making responsibilities. When employees feel ownership over their tasks, there’s a noticeable improvement in both productivity and adherence to safety standards.

This needs safety culture building- migration from supervision based safety to safety ownership. While we can always build rules of the game, train persons , use audits and inspection etc. but nothing will succeed with safety ownership by persons who are exposed to the lines of fire. Few thoughts on this in a PDCA way: 1. Build safety standards and procedures 2. Train the relevant persons 3. Develop ownership up to last level through discussions ,layered audits, self audits. The corrective actions should be jointly developed for better ownership. 4. Any incident should be thoroughly analyzed and leanings should be shared. 5 Develop a Reward-recognition and a consequence management system and implement with full rigour.

Ensuring Consistent Adherence to Safety Protocols: - 5 Key Strategies: 1. Clear Procedures: Standardize and simplify protocols. 2. Training and Onboarding: Ensure comprehensive understanding. 3. Visual Reminders: Display safety protocols and checklists. 4. Shift Handovers: Conduct thorough briefings. 5. Regular Audits: Monitor and address compliance. - Tools: 1. Safety manuals 2. Checklists 3. Digital monitoring systems 4. Safety boards - Accountability: 1. Designate safety champions 2. Recognize and reward compliance 3. Address non-compliance promptly - Continuous Improvement: 1. Feedback loops 2. Regular reviews and updates 3. Employee engagement

It is important that each new employee (individually or as a team) undergoes through a properly managed safety awareness programme at the recruitment. The following are good practices to enable employees to adhere to safety protocols across shifts, once they are equipped with basic awareness. 1. Display of safety compliances in relevant areas (eg. PPE requirements could be displayed in pictures) 2. Safety audits (results need be discussed with HODs and corrective actions need be discussed in regular safety committee meeting) 3. Tool box meeting at the beginning of each shift (selected employees need be properly trained for this, and training material need be provided by OHS team) 4. Awareness programs on newly arising safety requirements