Engaging Your Employees Is Good for the Business of Safety

Can you imagine starting a trip without a plan – no destination in mind, no clothes in the suitcase, and no groceries in the trunk?? I suppose that might be adventurous for a while, but if you are on a schedule and a budget, you will burn a lot of both without getting to do much fun stuff.? That’s why most good companies have a plan and foundational principles – including for their safety programs. But even with these in place, companies can spin – burning time and money – if their people aren’t engaged with the plan and the principles. Senior management alignment isn’t enough for success – all workers need to be “rowing in the same direction” for safe and profitable outcomes.

Sospes was formed with the strong conviction that business success starts with safe and productive workplaces, which is best accomplished by engaging all workers. When everyone collaborates to recognize and mitigate hazards, they are able to continually improve and attain new heights faster. Based on the premise of collaborative engagement, our product is easy enough for everyone to participate in the safety process and useful enough to give managers actionable direction to continue forward momentum.

There is considerable evidence to support that EHS programs are more effective when there is wide employee participation compared to programs managed largely by a handful of specialists. As described in this Case Study at Owen Electric, our own data supports this position as our customers consistently report improved outcomes as adoption expands.? Let’s look at why this occurs:

1. Increased Awareness and Ownership: When employees actively participate in EHS programs, they become more aware of safety and environmental concerns within the workplace. This heightened awareness leads to a sense of ownership over safety practices and a greater commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
2. Diverse Perspectives: Involving a broader range of employees in EHS initiatives brings diverse perspectives to the table. Different departments and individuals may have unique insights into potential hazards and innovative solutions to address them. This diversity can lead to more comprehensive risk assessments and more effective mitigation strategies.
3. Improved Communication: Employee participation fosters open communication channels between workers and management regarding safety concerns. Employees on the frontline are often the first to notice hazards or areas for improvement. By encouraging their involvement, organizations can tap into this valuable source of information and address issues in a timely manner.
4. Cultural Shift Towards Safety: Active participation in EHS programs can contribute to a culture of safety within the organization. When safety becomes a shared value among employees at all levels, it promotes a collective commitment to maintaining high standards and looking out for one another’s well-being.
5. Increased Compliance and Adherence: When employees are actively involved in the development and implementation of safety protocols, they are more likely to understand and adhere to them. This can lead to higher levels of compliance with regulations and standards, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and fines.
6. Cost Savings: Effective EHS programs can result in cost savings for organizations by reducing workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses. When employees are actively engaged in safety initiatives, they are more likely to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and waste reduction, leading to potential cost savings over time.
7. Empowerment and Morale: Involving employees in EHS programs can empower them to take ownership of their safety and well-being. This sense of empowerment can boost morale and job satisfaction, leading to higher levels of engagement and productivity.

These concepts are reflected in many areas of the professional literature, and well summarized in the maturity stages of the Sospes version of the Bradley curve, where the most effective safety performance is possible with a fully collaborative workplace.

If you are ready to up your safety and company performance by harnessing the collective knowledge, skills, and commitment of your employees, contact us and let us help your organization create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable workplace.