Here's how you can foster an overall safety culture in your organization through internships.

2 Role Modeling

Your current employees are the torchbearers of your safety culture, and their actions set a precedent for interns. Encourage your staff to exemplify safe practices in everything they do. When interns see that everyone from the CEO to the newest employee takes safety seriously, it reinforces the message that safety is an integral part of your organizational identity. This exposure to a living, breathing culture of safety can profoundly influence interns' attitudes and behaviors.

3 Engaging Training

Ditch the dull safety manuals and create interactive training sessions that engage interns. Use real-life scenarios and hands-on activities to teach them about workplace hazards and safe practices. When interns are actively involved in learning about safety, they're more likely to retain the information and apply it in their day-to-day activities. Engaging training also demonstrates that your organization invests in their learning, which can foster a sense of belonging and respect for the company's values.

4 Continuous Dialogue

Fostering a safety culture is not a one-off event. Maintain an open line of communication with interns about safety issues and encourage them to speak up if they have concerns or suggestions. This continuous dialogue not only empowers interns to contribute to a safer workplace but also keeps safety at the forefront of everyone's minds. Regular safety discussions can lead to ongoing improvements and show that your organization is committed to evolving its safety practices.

5 Hands-On Experience

Give interns the opportunity to participate in safety audits, risk assessments, or emergency drills. This hands-on experience provides a deeper understanding of the importance of safety protocols and prepares them for real-world situations. By involving interns in these critical aspects of workplace safety, you help them develop a practical skill set that they will carry into their future careers, potentially influencing safety cultures elsewhere.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?