You're worried about safety on your team. How can you get everyone to speak up?

Safety is a priority in any workplace, but sometimes it can be hard to get everyone on your team to speak up about potential hazards, risks, or incidents. You may worry that your team members are afraid of being blamed, embarrassed, or ignored if they report a safety issue. However, keeping silent can have serious consequences for your team's health, productivity, and morale. How can you create a culture of safety where everyone feels comfortable and encouraged to speak up? Here are some tips to help you.

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1 Lead by example

One of the best ways to get your team to speak up about safety is to show them that you value their input and feedback. Make safety a regular topic of discussion in your meetings, emails, and conversations. Share your own safety concerns and experiences, and invite others to do the same. Praise and reward your team members for reporting safety issues, even if they are minor or preventable. Demonstrate that you take safety seriously by following the rules, wearing the appropriate gear, and correcting any unsafe behaviors.

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Stephen Menkiti

CCTV/Access Control Specialist/ Telecoms/Instrumentation Engineer
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One thing I've found helpful is: 1. People feel at home when they feel they are heard. 2. There's no need to act like you're not aware of what you obviously know is affecting your team members. When you notice such things, create channels through which people can speak up. Some persons are shy or not confident enough speaking in public. Create more discrete channels through which employees can lay personal complaints to you.

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2 Create a safe space

Another way to get your team to speak up about safety is to create a safe space where they can express their opinions and concerns without fear of judgment, retaliation, or dismissal. Encourage your team to communicate openly and honestly with each other and with you. Listen actively and empathetically to what they have to say, and ask questions to understand their perspective. Avoid blaming, criticizing, or interrupting them when they speak. Acknowledge their contributions and thank them for their input. Follow up on their suggestions and concerns, and keep them updated on the progress and outcomes.

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3 Provide training and tools

A third way to get your team to speak up about safety is to provide them with the necessary training and tools to identify and report safety issues. Educate your team on the safety policies, procedures, and standards that apply to your workplace. Explain the benefits and reasons behind them, and how they can protect themselves and others from harm. Provide them with clear and accessible channels to report safety issues, such as a hotline, a form, or a designated person. Make sure they know how to use them, and what to expect after they report. Provide them with feedback and support throughout the process.

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4 Involve and empower

A fourth way to get your team to speak up about safety is to involve and empower them in the decision-making and improvement of safety practices. Solicit their ideas and opinions on how to make your workplace safer and more efficient. Involve them in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of safety initiatives and projects. Give them some autonomy and responsibility to make changes and improvements in their work area. Encourage them to collaborate and learn from each other, and to share their best practices and lessons learned. Celebrate their achievements and successes in enhancing safety.

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5 Foster trust and respect

A fifth way to get your team to speak up about safety is to foster trust and respect among your team members and between you and them. Build rapport and relationships with your team by showing interest in them as individuals, not just as workers. Respect their diversity, skills, and expertise, and value their contributions and perspectives. Trust them to do their work well, and to report any safety issues that arise. Be transparent and honest with them about the goals, challenges, and expectations of your work. Support them in their professional and personal development, and help them overcome any difficulties or obstacles.

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6 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?

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Lesiba Masenya

Chief Safety Officer 2.17.4
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Protect whistle blowers. Sometimes employees are afraid of being victimized by those that they report for unsafe behaviors. Also consider have a box or hotline where employees may post messages/reports anonymously.

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You're worried about safety on your team. How can you get everyone to speak up?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Lead by example

2 Create a safe space

3 Provide training and tools

4 Involve and empower

5 Foster trust and respect

6 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

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You're worried about safety on your team. How can you get everyone to speak up?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Lead by example

2 Create a safe space

3 Provide training and tools

4 Involve and empower

5 Foster trust and respect

6 Here’s what else to consider

Workplace Safety

Rate this article

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