Your team members resist safety measures. How can you convince them of its importance?

As a nuisance wildlife control operator we deal with live animals and thus have a stringent training process before we ever allow a new licensed operator work alone.

One of my favourite techniques is called "harpooning". It involves a story or scenario that gets everyone's attention quickly with some shock effect, and then slowly reeling them in on the lesson. A common one I use is a story from a large DC close to where I was in where a high reach forklift driver used to drive around with his foot hanging out of the forklift. Everyone saw it, everyone knew it, and everyone tolerated it. One day two forklifts came together and his foot was crushed. So, I ask you... if you went back in time to 10 minutes before that happened, would you speak to him? This will usually start some good 2-3 minute conversations that people remember and consider their own behavioural change.

When discussing the importance of workplace safety, it's essential to convey that safety protocols serve a vital purpose—they exist to protect everyone within the organization. These measures are not merely bureaucratic obligations but are carefully designed to prevent accidents and injuries, safeguarding both the employees and the workplace environment.To make the concept of workplace safety more relatable and impactful, it’s effective to share real-life examples of incidents that could have been avoided if proper safety measures had been followed. These examples serve as powerful reminders of the personal benefits of adhering to safety protocols.

Para incentivar os membros da equipe a adotarem medidas de segurança, primeiro eu me certificaria de que eles entendessem a importância da segurança e dos benefícios de seguir os procedimentos de segurança. Eu também me certificaria de que as medidas de segurança fossem fáceis de seguir e que os funcionários tivessem os recursos necessários para cumpri-las. Além disso, eu reconheceria e recompensaria os funcionários por seguirem os procedimentos de segurança.

Organizations that prioritize safety are seen as responsible and caring, which can enhance their reputation. This can lead to increased trust from clients, customers, and potential employees, making the organization more competitive in the market.Discuss incidents that have occurred within the organization or industry, analyzing what went wrong and how it could have been prevented. This makes the training more relatable and impactful.

Show dedication to the team’s objectives by consistently working hard, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work. This sets a standard for others to follow and demonstrates that the leader is fully committed to the team’s success. Encourage open communication by actively listening to your team members' ideas, concerns, and feedback. Showing that you value their input motivates them to contribute more meaningfully.

Implementing safety measures often faces resistance due to the misconception that they are time-consuming or hinder efficiency. In reality, safety protocols, when seamlessly integrated into daily workflows, can prevent costly accidents and ensure smoother operations. By designing safety steps that naturally fit into tasks, we protect our team while maintaining productivity. Educating employees about the long-term benefits of safety fosters a culture where protection and efficiency go hand in hand. Ultimately, safety is not a barrier to success but a crucial element that enhances it. At the end of the day, "It is always better to be SAFE than SORRY."

The process of continuous improvement can involve the active participation of the team members for safety practices by highlighting their dedication with rewards. The motivation may lead to discipline by this kind of engagement.