The Role of Safety on Employee Engagement

"You are your last line of defense in safety. It all boils down to you." ~ Kina Repp, a workplace accident survivor

July 22, 2006, started as a beautiful, early Saturday morning. Ray Brown , President of ESCO Group, and his mentor were on the golf course, ready to tee off. Then Ray received one of those calls that every CEO dreads: A dedicated employee had died in a preventable electrical accident at one of their manufacturing facilities.

This employee, known for his commitment and work ethic, had come into work early that Saturday morning to finish a project so he could coach his son's baseball game later that day. Tragically, he never made it to the game.

Learning from Tragedy: The Importance of Safety Culture

ESCO Group always prided itself on its strong #safetyculture. Just six months before the accident, Ray had been at a customer site where one of their leaders joked about their stringent safety protocols. ESCO focused intensely on safety training, issuing warnings for violations, and consistently emphasizing the importance of safe practices.

However, this tragic incident showed that even a robust safety program can have gaps. The loss of an employee is devastating, not just for the company but for the family left behind. The deceased employee left behind three children and a wife who was battling cancer at the time and, sadly, passed away shortly after the accident. ESCO faced the harsh reality that they needed to learn from this failure to prevent such tragedies in the future.

From Loss to Learning: Evolving Safety Practices

In the wake of the accident, ESCO committed to taking care of the employees' children, honoring their father's legacy by supporting them through college and staying in touch throughout the years. Today, these children are thriving, successful adults.

One key lesson ESCO learned from this experience is the critical role of mental health in overall safety. They launched a program called "Make it Okay" to encourage employees to talk openly about mental health challenges. This initiative aimed to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and foster a supportive environment where employees could feel safe discussing their struggles.

Creating a Culture of Safety and Openness

As part of their renewed focus on safety, Ray Brown and his leadership team introduced a unique initiative to help employees understand the personal impact of workplace accidents. Employees were asked to write letters to their family members as if they had been in a horrific accident, sharing everything they would want to say if they were no longer around. The family members then wrote letters to the employees, expressing what they would miss about them.

This exercise was incredibly powerful, leading to many personal notes from spouses thanking the company for encouraging such meaningful conversations. It underscored the importance of mental health in safety, showing that employees are more likely to prioritize safety in their work when they feel cared for.

The Link Between Safety and Engagement

When employees come to work, they expect to be safe. Providing a safe workplace is not only the right thing to do but also has significant benefits for the organization. According to the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), highly engaged employees are five times less likely to have a safety incident and seven times less likely to miss work due to safety mishaps.

A highly engaged employee is fully committed to doing their best work and contributing to the organization's success. They put forth greater effort, ensure they follow safety protocols, and actively participate in creating a safer workplace. On the other hand, disengaged employees may "check out" during safety meetings, fail to report minor injuries or hazards, and take shortcuts that compromise safety.

Management's Role in Fostering Safety and Engagement

Management plays a crucial role in building a culture of safety and engagement. Their behavior can significantly influence employees' attitudes towards safety, helping to build trust, encourage open communication, and create an empowering work environment.

Here are a few critical strategies for management to consider:

1. Set Clear Safety Expectations: Make sure everyone understands that safety is a top priority and that there are no exceptions. This includes holding all employees accountable for their actions regardless of their position.

2. Provide Continuous Education: Safety training shouldn't be a one-time event. Regular briefings and updates help keep the conversation going and sharpen skills. Provide the necessary tools and ensure employees know how to use them properly.

3. Foster a Respectful Culture: Treat employees with respect and recognize their contributions to maintaining a safe workplace. Employees who feel valued are more likely to engage in safety practices and look out for their colleagues.

Building a Safer, More Engaged Workplace

To build a safer, more engaged workplace, consider implementing these strategies:

For Individuals:

1. Speak Up: If you see something unsafe, say something. Report your observations to management and follow up to ensure action is taken.

2. Seek Help When Needed: If you're struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help. Many companies offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential support for various challenges.

3. Engage with Your Work: Focus on what you love about your job and look for ways to become more engaged. When you are invested in your work, you're more likely to prioritize safety.

For Management:

1. Apply Safety Standards Consistently: Ensure all employees, including top performers, adhere to safety protocols. Don't let anyone cut corners or put others at risk.

2. Educate Continuously: Provide regular training and updates to keep safety at the forefront. Make safety procedures clear, straightforward, and easy to understand.

3. Recognize Good Behavior: Create a reward system to acknowledge employees who prioritize safety. Recognizing their efforts helps build a culture of respect and pride.

For Organizations:

1. Set Clear Safety Guidelines: Communicate your commitment to safety and ensure all employees understand why it's crucial.

2. Encourage Feedback: Involve employees in the safety planning nd continuously ask for their input. This helps increase buy-in and ensures that safety measures are effective.

3. Promote Open Communication: Keep an open door for employees to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Recognize their contributions and be willing to consider different approaches.

Focusing on safety is not just about avoiding accidents; it's about creating an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and committed to their work. By building a strong safety culture, you can enhance productivity, improve work quality, and reduce turnover—all while protecting your most valuable asset: your people.

Want to learn more about building a safe and engaging workplace culture? I'm offering a FREE copy of my book, "Thank You Very Much: Gratitude Strategies to Create a Workplace Culture that ROCKS." Just message me here on LinkedIn, and I’ll send you a copy!

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