Zero Harm: Promoting a Culture of Safety during Safety Week

Safety blindness, or the tendency to overlook safety risks due to familiarity or complacency, is a serious issue in many workplaces. Sure we have signs posted and PPEs issued. But could Behavioral Safety: Understanding and Addressing the Human Factor in Workplace Safety be the key to that Zero Accidents, Zero Incidences goal? That's why the recent launch of Safety Week at our factory was a welcome initiative that aimed to bring safety back to the forefront of employees' minds. Rhoda Wanambisi gave us a great theme on Overcoming Safety Blindness in the Workplace.

The week-long event kicked off with a safety briefing in which she emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and aware of safety risks at all times. She also spoke about the concept of safety blindness and encouraged employees to actively look for potential hazards and report them promptly.

Throughout the last few months, various safety initiatives have been rolled out, including behavioral safety training sessions, and safety demonstrations, and for the week she has planned for safety-themed games and quizzes. The training sessions covered a range of safety topics, from basic safety procedures to specific safety issues relevant to the company's operations. The objective here is to bring back safety from just being a poster on a wall but a consciousness during work.

From one of the sessions, it was clear we can issue all the safety gear and make detailed procedures but without promoting a safety culture, we face risks in the workplace. The goal of behavioral safety is to create a culture of safety in which workers are aware of the risks associated with their work and are motivated to take proactive steps to mitigate those risks.

One of the highlights of Safety Week is a safety demonstration that showcases various safety equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and earplugs. The demonstration shall highlight the proper use of safety equipment and procedures for reporting safety observations, incidents, and near-misses.

Another key activity during Safety Week is a safety-themed quiz that has encouraged employees to test their knowledge of safety procedures and regulations. Winners of the quiz will receive prizes such as safety gear and gift cards.

Overall, the launch of Safety Week was a success, with employees showing a renewed commitment to safety and a better understanding of the importance of remaining vigilant in identifying and reporting potential safety hazards. By continuing to prioritize safety and foster a safety-conscious culture, EAC will continue to promote a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. Looking forward to the 24th!