A health and safety culture can bring many benefits to a small business. When employers and workers share the same values, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment, it can improve worker engagement and morale, help prevent incidents and injuries, and increase productivity.
Engaged workers are more likely to be committed to their work, take pride in their job, and be motivated to perform at their best. This can lead to a more positive work environment and ultimately, improved customer satisfaction.
Workplace culture is a broad concept that includes the shared practices, attitudes, and perceptions that influence how things are done. To get there, you start by taking small steps.
Create Health and Safety Practices
The first step is to create routines centered on healthy and safe practices. Small businesses can promote a strong health and safety culture by implementing policies and procedures that prioritize the well-being of their workers:
- Hold daily safety meetings with your team. Include a way to share meeting topics with anyone whose shift starts after the meeting takes place.
- Provide regular training on safe work practices and ensure work time is set aside for training.
- Conduct, and involve workers in, regular safety inspections.
- Encourage workers to report any hazards or concerns.
Have Open Communication
The next step is to ensure there are open communication channels. Communication is critical in cultivating worker engagement. Encourage your workers to ask questions if they do not understand something, especially if they are new to the job. As a small business, you have the advantage of being able to hear concerns directly from your customers and workers. Listening and then building on worker’s input helps to build trust and shows them they’re working in an environment that’s inclusive and supportive.
Promote Engagement
Finally, small businesses can also promote worker engagement by providing opportunities for professional development and career advancement:
- Offer training and development programs.
- Provide regular feedback and performance evaluations.
- Recognize and reward workers for their contributions.
By taking these steps to improve health and safety in your workplace, you can help prevent the human and financial costs that result from work-related injuries and diseases.
Develop a Formal Health and Safety Plan
Employers are responsible for knowing the hazards in their workplace and managing the risks to provide a healthy and safe workplace. This involves thinking about what might cause harm to your workers and determining whether you are taking reasonable steps to prevent that harm from happening. By developing a safety plan, employers can more easily manage their workplace risks. There are four steps to creating a plan:
- Identify risks and hazards.
- Put controls in place.
- Communicate with workers.
- Monitor and act on the results.
Reap the Benefits of Your New Workplace Culture
A strong health and safety culture is essential for the success of small businesses. By managing their workplace risk, prioritizing the well-being of their workers, and involving them in the decision-making process, small businesses can create a positive work environment that benefits everyone.
For resources for your small business, visit worksafebc.com/smallbusiness. To learn more about enhancing your workplace health and safety culture, visit worksafebc.com
