Who is responsible for safety in the workplace? While employees need to understand the safety rules, it’s up to the employer to provide adequate safety training and regular reinforcement. Here are the reasons you should be taking responsibility for safety and encouraging your team to follow safety protocol. Let’s take a closer look at the chain of command and how everyone can reinforce safe behavior.
Leadership
Corporate management is in the position to create safety policies for the entire organization. They are also the team that can ensure the rules are compliant with local, state, and national regulations. They are also the team that oversees training, maintains records, and reports any injuries on the job. Leadership can also lead by example. By following the safety rules they enforce, they will encourage more participation.
Supervisors
Direct supervisors are the team that has the most oversight on day-to-day safety protocol. They can see if the policies are being followed, take action when they’re not, and solve problems that may create more considerable hazards in the workplace. Supervisors should undoubtedly take corrective action when necessary but also provide positive feedback when employees are compliant.
Employees
While management has the lion’s share of the responsibility for safety, employees have ownership over safe behavior in the workplace. They need to be held responsible for accessing training, performing duties safely and efficiently, and reporting issues when necessary. Employees can also advocate for each other and encourage safety compliance.
Contingent Workforce
Where things start to get muddy for a lot of employers is with the contingent workforce. Who is responsible for ensuring that temporary employees are trained in safety procedures and compliant? Working with a staffing service specializing in production placements can give you the help you need when you need it and ensure that each short-term employee receives the essential safety orientation you require.
Do you want more strategies to stay safe in your workplace? Contact the team at ProStaff to see how we can help.
