Many businesses struggle to create ownership and engagement when it comes to the management of Health and Safety.
And whilst the legislation clearly lays out the responsibility at every level in an organisation, if it isn't clearly defined and communicated and there is a lack of visibility, we are missing one of the primary drivers for engagement.
Research into Employee Engagement shows that there are two base drivers for building engagement that have to be fulfilled:
- I know what is expected of me
- I have the resources (equipment, knowledge, skills) to do it.
If safety has a negative “compliance” sentiment (you must, or you will be……), this will further compound a lack of engagement and responsibility, a "it's not my job" reaction.
The upshot of this is a lack of engagement, and both the business and employees are vulnerable.
I know what is expected of me
As a starting point, clearly defining the responsibilities in practical, day-to-day, nuts-and-bolts terms (completing Checklists, reporting Hazards, Implementing corrective action, etc.) across the organisation can help illustrate that health and safety is not the responsibility of one individual but the collective responsibility of different levels of management, all doing their bit. This can help deal with concerns that responsibility is being shifted down the management chain.
It allows individuals to understand their part in the process and how what they do relates to their management reporting line. It also provides a starting point for addressing the second engagement driver I have the resources (equipment, knowledge, skills) to do it.
It can be daunting to be given responsibility for something about which you have little knowledge and understanding and will almost certainly generate resistance from the individual, particularly when there is a “legal” responsibility that comes with it. But by clearly defining exactly what the individual has to do and providing the necessary resources and support again makes it easier to build acceptance.
On many occasions, we have seen this simple step game-change the attitude and culture to safety in businesses.
How can I create active engagement with our safety processes?
Integrating health and safety processes into the business encourages adoption and contributes to a safer culture. People are at the heart of this. They will implement and use your solutions, react differently to change and adoption, and need to receive information in ways that work for them. You and your team may take different deliverables from your risk management solutions.
At BCarm, we understand this, so we take a personal approach with every client to understand their needs and work out how best to address them. This is what we call Engagement; we help you and your team engage with the solution and get the best out of it.
| Watch our 2-minute video on the ways we help you and your team engage with the BCarm solution and get the best out of it. |
More information on Health and Safety responsibilities
For more guidance on health and safety consultancy, get in touch with our team for a discussion.
