January 2, 2025
A workplace’s culture is just “the shared attitudes and behaviours of a group.”
When it comes to safety, this means how people think and act about risks and safe practices every day. In hands-on jobs, a strong safety culture can make the difference between preventing accidents and dealing with them later.
A good safety culture doesn’t happen by chance – it’s built with care. While changing habits can feel tricky, it’s one of the best ways to reduce accidents and injuries. Here’s how to create a positive, practical safety culture that works for everyone:
1. Lead from the Top
Change starts with leaders. Managers need to show they take safety seriously by following the rules themselves and dealing with issues quickly. When leaders set the example, others will follow.
Tip: Talk regularly about safety goals and highlight managers who set a good example.
2. Get Everyone Involved
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Help employees understand how their actions affect others. A quick shortcut might save time but could put a colleague at risk.
Tip: Encourage staff to speak up, double-check equipment, and report issues. Teamwork and accountability create a safer workplace.
3. Make Safety Part of Your Values
Safety isn’t just a policy – it’s a way of working. Build it into your company’s values and make it clear to everyone, whether in meetings, training, or everyday chats.
Tip: Use simple reminders like “Safety First” or “Think Safe, Work Safe” to keep it front of mind.
4. Train People Properly
You can’t expect people to follow safety rules if they don’t know them. Give clear, practical training so everyone understands what’s expected and why it matters. Regular refreshers help keep things on track.
Don’t forget, training has to be memorable to be effective.
Tip: Make sure new staff get the right training and tailor sessions to specific roles.
5. Make Reporting Simple
Encourage employees to report hazards, near-misses, or unsafe behaviour without fear. Provide easy ways to report – whether in person, online or anonymously.
Tip: Act on reports quickly and let people know what’s being done. This builds trust and shows that reporting makes a difference.
6. Celebrate Success
When safety improves, celebrate it! Positive recognition motivates teams to keep going.
Tip: Avoid rewards that discourage reporting (e.g., “100 Days Without Accidents”). Instead, reward safe behaviours and genuine progress.
7. Build Good Relationships
A strong safety culture depends on open communication. Encourage employees to share feedback and learn from mistakes without fear of blame.
Tip: Treat every incident as a chance to improve, not a reason to point fingers.
Keep It Simple and Positive
Building a safety culture isn’t about being perfect, it’s about making progress. By focusing on teamwork, communication and clear expectations, you can create a workplace where safety becomes second nature.
Start small, keep it practical, and you’ll see big results in no time.
For more information or advice.
Please contact the Deal With It®️ team.
Cheshire 01928 515977
London 0203 773 2736
Email Address:
‘It Takes Leadership to Improve Safety’
#safetyculture #safetyleadership #safetyfirst #healthandsafety #behaviouralsafety #employeeengagement
