The Problem with Safety? We Made it Boring.
Home The Problem with Safety? We Made It Boring. We Made It Boring Lastra talks psychology, VR, and AI in workplace training. March 27, 2025 By Luke Hillenbrand Lessons from the Trenches Nobody gets into safety because they want to fill out paperwork. They do it because they’ve seen the alternative. The fall that didn’t need to happen. The drum of chemicals that nearly took out half a city block. The team member who never made it home. But somewhere along the line, we buried that urgency in binders. We took a discipline built on adrenaline, risk, and responsibility — and we turned it into a desk job. We reduced it. To clipboards, to compliance checklists. To one-hour training videos that people forget before lunch. We made safety boring. Worse than that — we made it easy to ignore. And if we don’t fix that, people are going to keep getting hurt. Safety Isn’t a Department. It’s a Culture. Walk onto most job sites, and you’ll hear the same thing: “Safety is everyone’s responsibility.” Sounds great. Except that in a lot of companies, safety still lives in its own little silo. The safety person walks the floor, gives a thumbs-up, maybe rattles off a checklist. They go back to their office to update the system. Meanwhile, the crew is out there making real decisions. In real time. With real consequences. They’re the ones balancing a ladder on uneven ground. They’re the ones guessing whether the insulation is live. They’re the ones dealing with surprise weather, faulty equipment, and the very real pressure to get things done fast. Wes Rundle has had to make some of these decisions himself, and knows how important it is to keep safety simple. He’s helped overhaul safety systems across many companies. From emergency planning in chemical plants to concrete coring crews mid-pandemic, he’s seen it all. And the lesson’s always the same: if your system adds friction, people will work around it. You can’t layer complexity onto complexity and expect it to stick. You have to meet people where they are. Make it seamless. Make it make sense. The more forms you pile on, the less likely someone is to stop and think. The goal is not more paperwork. The goal is fewer injuries. Fewer close calls. And more people going home safe. “Safety needs to be simple. Because the work is already complex.” Wes Rundle The Myth of the Competent Worker Here’s a common scenario: a worker finishes their online course, gets the certificate, and their manager checks the box. They’re “trained.” Right? Robin Postnikoff doesn’t buy it. He’s the founder of MI Safety, and he’s watched the industry pretend that theory equals ability. It doesn’t. “We’ve had this idea that a worker can take a generic course and walk out competent,” he says. “But you can’t learn to drive by reading about it. You’ve got to be behind the wheel.” That’s why his company builds practical evaluations right into the system. Learn the theory online. Prove it in person. Simple. Because you’re not training someone for a pop quiz. You’re training them for the moment things go sideways. The equipment jams. The scaffold gives. The procedure fails. That’s when training matters. And it’s not just about liability. It’s about dignity. If you put someone on a job they’re not prepared for, that’s not just a risk. That’s a betrayal. So Where Do We Go From Here? We’ve built systems that look good on paper—but paper doesn’t save lives. The truth is, most safety programs aren’t broken. They’re just built on the wrong foundation. Theory without practice. Compliance without clarity. Rules without ownership. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Because when safety is done right, it’s not boring. It’s built into every decision, every habit, every conversation that happens before something goes wrong. In Part 2, we’ll dive into what that really looks like—on the ground, in the moment. From psychological safety to VR training to culture that actually sticks. The future of safety isn’t about perfection. It’s about trust, mindset, and showing up for each other—every single day. BIS Social Media Follow BIS Safety Software for industry-leading safety updates, training solutions, and more. Hover over each icon for quick access to follow, share, or explore our other channels. Frequently Asked Questions Have question in mind? We are here to answer. If you don’t see your question here, drop us a line at our contact page. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Related Articles All Posts 360 Immersive Alberta safety courses awareness BambooHR integration biometric sensors BIS
Safety Culture vs. Safety Theater
Home Safety Culture vs. Safety Theater: Are You Protecting Workers or Just Performing? Safety and morale or smoke and mirrors… March 21, 2025 By Luke Hillenbrand Some workplaces talk a big game about safety. Posters on the walls. Slogans in emails. Maybe even a “Safety First” banner hanging in the breakroom. But when you look closer, it’s all for show. That’s safety theater—where rules exist on paper, but not in practice. Real safety culture is different. It’s not about looking compliant—it’s about keeping people alive. True safety culture means workers don’t just follow rules because they have to. They follow them because they understand why they exist. It’s a shift from treating safety as a burden to seeing it as a necessity. Companies that only focus on appearances end up with workers who go through the motions. Meanwhile, real hazards remain unchecked. When that happens, it’s not a question of if an accident will happen, but when. The Difference Between Culture and Theater Safety Theater refers to policies that look good on paper but don’t actually prevent accidents. These include excessive paperwork, pointless PPE rules, and outdated procedures that nobody follows. By contrast, Safety Culture is when workers at every level prioritize safety. They don’t just talk about safety. They take real steps to make it part of daily work and decision-making. In a strong safety culture, workers have the confidence to stop unsafe work. Shortcuts aren’t ignored, and training is more than just a requirement—it’s a priority. A strong safety culture means workers feel empowered to stop unsafe work. It means shortcuts don’t get ignored. It means training isn’t just a formality—it’s a priority. When safety theater takes over, companies create a false sense of security. Workers may assume they’re safe just because procedures exist. But if those procedures aren’t tested or enforced, they mean nothing. Real safety culture isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about making sure every worker goes home safe. Signs of Safety Theater Some companies think they’re prioritizing safety, but they’re really just checking boxes. Here’s how to tell the difference: Endless paperwork, but no real enforcement. If reports are filed but hazards don’t get fixed, it’s just theater. Workers afraid to report safety issues. If speaking up means punishment or being ignored, safety is just for show. Lip service from leadership. If managers push productivity over safety, their real priorities are clear. Outdated or irrelevant training. If workers aren’t learning anything useful, the training is just a box to check. Focus on blaming workers instead of fixing systems. Real safety looks at root causes, not just who messed up. No follow-through after incidents. If accidents happen but nothing changes, safety is not a real priority. One-size-fits-all rules. Every industry has different risks—blanket policies don’t address real hazards. More concern for compliance than real protection. Following the law is important, but real safety goes beyond minimum requirements. The Hidden Costs of Safety Theater A company that treats safety as a performance rather than a practice is playing a dangerous game. The hidden costs of safety theater go beyond injury rates: Employee disengagement. When workers know safety is just a show, they stop taking it seriously. Regulatory trouble. Compliance officers see through the act. Companies that fake safety will eventually face fines or shutdowns. Increased turnover. Employees don’t stay where they don’t feel safe. High injury rates lead to high quit rates. Legal liability. Faking safety won’t hold up in court. Companies can be sued for negligence if they fail to protect their workers. Building a Real Safety Culture Fixing safety theater takes real commitment. Here’s how workplaces can shift from performance to protection: Empower Workers to Speak Up. Workers should feel safe stopping work if they see something unsafe. They must trust that reporting hazards won’t lead to retaliation. Prioritize Training That Matters. Skip the generic safety videos. Teach workers about the specific risks they face daily. Fix Problems, Don’t Just Document Them. Reporting a hazard isn’t enough—companies need to act on it. Hold Leaders Accountable. Safety starts at the top. If management isn’t following the rules, workers won’t either. Measure Safety by Actions, Not Paperwork. Track real safety actions like near-miss reports, hazard fixes, and worker feedback. Don’t just count how many forms get filled out. Encourage Realistic Safety Drills. A fire drill where everyone casually walks to an exit isn’t enough. Make drills real. Add pressure. Test workers in situations that mimic actual emergencies. Reward Safe Behavior. When workers make safety-conscious decisions, recognize them. Positive reinforcement builds better habits than punishment. Invest in the Right Safety Tools. If a workplace demands PPE, make sure it’s comfortable and practical. Workers are more likely to use gear that fits well and doesn’t hinder their job. Make Safety Part of Everyday Conversations. Safety shouldn’t just be a monthly meeting topic. It should be discussed on job sites, in pre-shift meetings, and during training sessions. Audit Safety Practices Regularly. Don’t assume policies are followed—check them. Conduct surprise safety audits and correct issues immediately. Examples of Safety Culture vs. Safety Theater Imagine a warehouse that claims safety is a priority. Posters cover the walls, and training sessions are scheduled regularly. But in reality, workers are pushed to meet impossible quotas. Forklift drivers neglect seat belts. Safety violations are brushed aside in the name of productivity. Eventually, an accident happens, and suddenly, all those ignored risks become real consequences. Now, contrast that with a construction company that takes a different approach. After a close call, they don’t just sweep it under the rug. They start holding daily safety meetings and actively encourage workers to report near misses. Instead of ignoring potential risks, they address them head-on. Workers are rewarded for taking safety seriously, reinforcing a culture where speaking up is valued. Over time, injuries decrease, and workers become more engaged in safety efforts. The company earns a reputation for prioritizing protection over production speed. The difference between safety culture and safety theater is simple. One is a performance for
Top 10 Red Flags in Safety Audits
Home Top 10 Red Flags in Safety Audits How to Avoid Them March 13, 2025 By Dinesh Kumar Safety audits are essential for ensuring workplace compliance and protecting employees. They bring to light the weak points in a safety program and provide actionable insights for improvement. However, common issues can derail audits, leading to penalties, operational disruptions, or worse—preventable incidents. Avoiding these pitfalls doesn’t require perfection. It requires preparation, follow-through, and attention to detail. Here are ten common red flags auditors encounter and practical ways to address them. 1. Disorganized or Missing Documentation The Issue: Incident reports, inspection logs, or training records are incomplete, outdated, or hard to locate. Why It Matters: Documentation is the backbone of safety compliance. Gaps in records raise questions about whether processes are being followed consistently. How to Address It: Store all safety-related documents in a centralized system, whether digital or physical. Automate reminders for updates to keep records current and ensure they’re easily accessible during an audit. 2. Training Records That Don’t Measure Up The Issue: Employees have incomplete or outdated safety training records, including missed refresher courses. Why It Matters: Training equips workers with the knowledge to manage risks effectively. Inadequate records suggest that critical skills and safety protocols may not be properly reinforced. How to Address It: Use a Learning Management System (LMS) to track training participation and completion. Schedule refresher courses at regular intervals and focus on high-risk roles to ensure readiness across the workforce. Key Takeaways Safety audits reveal your culture—not just your compliance. Messy records and repeat hazards tell a story. Make sure it’s the right one. Proactive systems prevent red flags. From training logs to maintenance checks, automation and structure are your best friends. Leadership sets the tone. When safety isn’t a top-down priority, it shows—and so do the risks. Follow-through is everything. A strong audit isn’t just about finding issues—it’s about proving you’re fixing them. 3. Incomplete Equipment Maintenance Logs The Issue: Maintenance records for machinery or equipment are inconsistent or nonexistent. Why It Matters: Poorly maintained equipment increases the likelihood of accidents and signals a lack of proactive risk management. How to Address It: Implement a maintenance tracking system to log inspections and repairs. Set up automated reminders for routine checks to prevent lapses and ensure that every piece of equipment is safe to operate. 4. Lack of Reporting for Near-Misses The Issue: Near-miss incidents are rarely reported or poorly documented. Why It Matters: Near-misses provide a critical opportunity to address hazards before they escalate into injuries. A lack of reporting indicates potential blind spotsin risk identification. How to Address It: Create a non-punitive reporting system that makes it easy for employees to flag near-misses. Mobile tools or simple forms can streamline the process and encourage participation. 5. PPE Non-Compliance The Issue: Employees are either not wearing or improperly using personal protective equipment (PPE). Why It Matters: Consistent PPE usage is fundamental to workplace safety. Visible lapses undermine compliance efforts and put workers at unnecessary risk. How to Address It: Conduct regular safety observations to verify PPE use and reinforce training on proper practices. Signage in high-risk areas can also serve as a visual reminder. 6. Emergency Plans That Are Outdated or Unpracticed The Issue: Emergency response plans are outdated, incomplete, or haven’t been tested with drills. Why It Matters: An unclear or untested plan can lead to confusion during emergencies, putting workers and operations at greater risk. How to Address It: Review and update emergency plans annually. Conduct drills to test preparedness and ensure employees understand their roles and responsibilities during a crisis. 7. Hazards That Keep Reappearing The Issue: Recurring issues identified in previous audits remain unresolved. Why It Matters: Repeated hazards suggest a lack of accountability and undermine trust in the safety program. How to Address It: Treat audit findings as action items with clear deadlines and responsibilities. Regularly track progress to ensure corrective actions are completed and prevent recurring issues. 8. Disengaged Leadership The Issue: Managers and leadership are absent from safety initiatives or minimally involved in audits. Why It Matters: Leadership involvement is critical for reinforcing a culture of safety. A lack of engagement sends a message that safety isn’t a priority. How to Address It: Involve leaders in safety meetings, audits, and training sessions. Make safety metrics a regular part of leadership reviews to keep it on the agenda and emphasize its importance. 9. Poor Communication of Safety Updates The Issue: Safety updates, protocols, or audit findings aren’t consistently shared with employees. Why It Matters: Gaps in communication lead to confusion, reduced compliance, and repeated issues that could have been avoided with better transparency. How to Address It: Develop a clear communication strategy for all safety updates. Use multiple channels like email, team meetings, and digital dashboards to ensure every employee stays informed. Safety software can track acknowledgment to verify employees receive critical information. 10. Neglected Audit Follow-Ups The Issue: Recommendations from previous audits are not implemented or tracked. Why It Matters: Ignoring audit findings demonstrates a lack of commitment to improving safety processes and creates repeated vulnerabilities. How to Address It: Turn audit recommendations into actionable plans. Assign accountability for each task, set deadlines, and track progress until every item is resolved. How Safety Software Helps You Stay Ahead Preparing for audits doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. Safety management software simplifies the process by automating key compliance requirements and centralizing data. Key Features to Look For: Centralized Dashboards: Consolidate all safety data for quick access during audits. Automated Alerts: Stay on top of training, inspections, and maintenance schedules. Audit-Ready Reporting: Generate detailed reports that meet compliance standards with minimal effort. The Bottom Line: Audit Preparation Simplified Safety audits are opportunities to demonstrate your organization’s dedication to protecting employees and maintaining compliance. Avoiding common red flags requires consistent follow-through, organized documentation, and proactive leadership. By addressing these issues and leveraging the right tools, you can streamline the audit process, improve safety outcomes, and build a culture of
The Safety Metrics That Matter
Home The Safety Metrics That Matter How to Track and Improve Workplace Safety March 4, 2025 By Shilpa Sharma Safety in the workplace isn’t just a box to check—it’s a strategy that impacts productivity, morale, and compliance. But how do you know if your safety efforts are truly working? Tracking the right metrics provides the clarity needed to assess your current programs, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement. Metrics are more than numbers—they’re a window into your organization’s strengths and weaknesses. The right data shows what’s working, where gaps exist, and how to make real progress. This guide explores the key safety metrics every organization should track, why they matter, and how they can build a stronger, safer culture. Why Metrics Are Essential for Safety Management It’s easy to assume that safety efforts are effective simply because there hasn’t been a recent incident. But this reactive mindset leaves organizations vulnerable. Metrics allow you to move beyond assumptions and take a proactive approach. Here’s why tracking safety metrics is critical: Identify Trends: Metrics uncover patterns in incidents, near-misses, and compliance gaps, providing actionable insights. Set Priorities: Clear data highlights where to focus your efforts,whether it’s a particular department, process, or hazard. Measure Success: Safety initiatives need measurable goals. Metrics show whether you’re meeting them or need to adjust. Improve Accountability: Transparent data ensures everyone, from frontline workers to executives, understands their role in improving safety. Safety metrics turn vague objectives like “reduce accidents” into specific, trackable actions. They’re the foundation of a safety program that delivers real results. Key Takeaways The best safety programs are built on data, not assumptions. Metrics give leaders the visibility they need to prioritize, improve, and stay proactive. Leading indicators like near-miss reports and safety observations drive real change. They spotlight risk before it becomes an incident. Tracking compliance and training completion keeps your workforce prepared—and your business protected. It’s not just about meeting requirements; it’s about readiness. Technology turns data into decisions. Automation and dashboards streamline tracking, improve accuracy, and help you measure what really matters. The Safety Metrics That Matter Most Tracking safety data can feel overwhelming, especially with so many variables at play. To make the process manageable, focus on these key metrics that provide the most insight into your workplace safety efforts: 1. Incident Rates: The Safety Baseline What It Measures: The number of workplace injuries or illnesses over a specific period, often calculated per 100 full-time employees. Why It Matters: Incident rates are a critical measure of workplacesafety. A high rate signals systemic issues, while a declining rateindicates progress. How to Track: Calculate Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) andcompare it against industry benchmarks. Break the data down further bydepartment or job role to identify problem areas. Example in Action: A manufacturing company notices its TRIR is higher than the industry average. By analyzing incident reports, they discover most injuries occur during equipment maintenance. This insight leads to additional training and updated safety protocols, reducing incidents over time. 2. Near-Miss Reports: Catching Problems Early What It Measures: Situations where an accident was narrowly avoided, such as a worker tripping over an unsecured cable but notfalling. Why It Matters: Near-misses provide critical warnings about potential hazards. They’re opportunities to fix problems before theycause harm. How to Track: Implement an easy-to-use reporting system and actively encourage workers to log near-misses. Track trends to pinpointrecurring risks. Example in Action: A manufacturing company notices its TRIR is higher than the industry average. By analyzing incident reports, they discover most injuries occur during equipment maintenance. This insight leads to additional training and updated safety protocols, reducing incidents over time. 3. Compliance Scores: Staying Ahead of Regulations What It Measures: How well your organization meets regulatory safety standards and internal policies Why It Matters: Falling out of compliance can lead to hefty fines, reputational damage, and operational delays. High compliance scoresindicate your processes are robust and up-to-date. How to Track: Conduct regular audits, inspections, and reviews of safety documentation. Use safety management software to streamlinecompliance tracking. Example in Action: During a routine audit, a logistics company identifies gaps in their chemical storage compliance. By updating training and implementing automated alerts for inspections, they prevent violations and maintain their safety record. 4. Training Participation and Completion: Building a Prepared Workforce What It Measures: The percentage of employees who have completed required safety training, as well as refresher courses. Why It Matters: Training ensures workers have the knowledge and skills to handle risks effectively. Low participation rates can indicategaps in your safety program. How to Track: Monitor training attendance and completion rates using a learning management system (LMS). Analyze data by team ordepartment to identify weak spots. Example in Action: : A healthcare provider notices low completion rates for fire safety training among night-shift staff. They adjust training schedules to accommodate night workers, increasing compliance and preparedness. 5. Safety Observations: Proactive Risk Management What It Measures: Observations conducted by managers or safety teams to evaluate workplace conditions and behaviors. Why It Matters: : Regular safety observations catch potential hazardsand reinforce accountability. They also provide insight into how wellsafety policies are being followed. How to Track: : Use standardized checklists during observations and log findings in a centralized system. Look for recurring issues and trackimprovements over time. Example in Action: : A food processing plant conducts monthly safety observations and notices inconsistent use of PPE in certain areas. They respond by reinforcing training and updating signage, improving compliance. How Tracking Metrics Drives Improvement What It Measures: Observations conducted by managers or safety teams to evaluate workplace conditions and behaviors. Why It Matters: : Regular safety observations catch potential hazards and reinforce accountability. They also provide insight into how wellsafety policies are being followed. How to Track: : Use standardized checklists during observations and log findings in a centralized system. Look for recurring issues and trackimprovements over time. Example in Action: : A food processing plant conducts monthly safety observations and notices inconsistent use of PPE in certain areas. They respond
The Seven Deadly Sins That Destroy Safety Culture
Home The Seven Deadly Sins That Destroy Safety Culture February 28, 2025 By Divyanshu Jain Even the strongest safety cultures can be dismantled by a few key missteps. These are the seven deadly sins that can erode safety standards, diminish trust, and put lives at risk. Understanding them is the first step in preventing their destructive impact. 1. Double Standards: One Rule for Some, Another for Others One of the fastest ways to destroy a safety culture is to enforce rules inconsistently. If leadership disregards safety policies while expecting employees to follow them, resentment and noncompliance will spread. Occupational Health and Safety Officer Ted Lane recalls, “I’ve seen situations where the sign on the shop door says ‘Safety glasses must be worn,’ but the boss walks in without them. If leadership doesn’t follow the rules, don’t expect anyone else to.” 2. Top-Down Directives Without Worker Input Safety policies that are dictated from the top down—without input from frontline workers—often fail. Employees who aren’t consulted see policies as bureaucratic red tape rather than measures designed to protect them. Sharon Cole, an OHS Consultant, advises, “If you’re writing a safety policy, involve the workers it will affect. They’re the ones on the frontlines, and their input makes policies practical and enforceable.” 3. Tolerating Negative Attitudes Toward Safety A single bad attitude can spread like wildfire. Workers who scoff at safety meetings, dismiss concerns, or ignore protocols undermine the organization’s culture. If their behavior is left unchecked, it signals that safety isn’t truly a priority. Ted Lane emphasizes, “Zero tolerance for bad safety performance is crucial. Whether it’s the boss’s son or your most experienced worker, if they refuse to comply with safety rules, they need to go.” 4. Shifting Priorities: Safety Takes a Back Seat Many companies claim safety is their top priority—until deadlines or costs are at stake. When safety is sacrificed for productivity, employees receive a clear message: safety only matters when it’s convenient. This erodes trust and encourages unsafe behaviors. 5. Failing to Lead by Example When supervisors and executives fail to embody the safety standards they expect from employees, it weakens the entire culture. A strong safety culture starts at the top and trickles down. Patrick Cantner, HSE Director of Willbros Canada, warns, “If you say, ‘Production done in the absence of safety will not be valued or rewarded,’ but then allow it to happen, you’ll destroy your safety culture.” 6. Punishing Workers for Reporting Issues If employees who report unsafe conditions or incidents are reprimanded instead of supported, they will stop coming forward. A culture of fear leads to underreporting, which increases risk. Marcia Minto, an OH&S Program Manager, states, “If someone reports an issue and is yelled at by management, they won’t come forward next time. Employees need to feel empowered, not afraid.” 7. Complacency: The Silent Killer Organizations that have gone a long time without an incident often become overconfident. Safety policies become lax, assumptions replace vigilance, and standards begin to slip. Over time, this complacency spreads, erasing years of hard work in building a safety culture. The moment an organization assumes it has ‘solved’ safety, it has already taken a step backward. Preventing the Seven Deadly Sins To maintain a strong safety culture, organizations must actively identify and counter these pitfalls. Leaders must lead by example, workers must feel empowered to participate, and safety must be a genuine, unwavering priority. The key takeaway? Building a safety culture is difficult, but destroying one is easy. Organizations must remain vigilant to ensure safety is not just a policy, but a deeply ingrained part of workplace operations. BIS Social Media Follow BIS Safety Software for industry-leading safety updates, training solutions, and more. Hover over each icon for quick access to follow, share, or explore our other channels. 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April 1, 2025 Home Would You Pass a Surprise Safety Inspection? Here’s What Inspectors Look For April 1, 2025 By Shilpa Sharma A… Read More The PPE Excuse April 1, 2025 Home The PPE Excuse: Why Workers Skip It and How to Change That April 1, 2025 By Shilpa Sharma Facebook… Read More Pain Is a
10 Tips for Building a Strong Safety Culture
Home Building a Strong Safety Culture Keep safety practical and punchy! February 28, 2025 By Divyanshu Jain Creating a strong safety culture takes effort, but the rewards—fewer injuries, lower costs, and a more engaged workforce—are well worth it. Organizations that successfully build a culture of safety don’t just reduce accidents; they improve morale, efficiency, and even profitability. Here are ten essential strategies to strengthen workplace safety: 1. Be Willing to Make Sacrifices Transforming a weak safety culture into a strong one isn’t always easy. It requires hard decisions and, in some cases, a willingness to part ways with employees who refuse to comply. Ted Lane, an Occupational Health and Safety Officer, recalls a major Alberta construction company that implemented a zero-tolerance safety policy. Initially, they lost workers who resisted the new approach, but within a few years, they rebuilt with employees who valued safety. The result? A safer, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable company. 2. Engage Employees in Safety Decisions Many safety policies fail because they are imposed without input from the employees they affect. Workers on the frontlines know the risks better than anyone else, so including them in safety discussions leads to more practical, effective solutions. “We promote the guys to do some of the things in their own way,” says Darryl Chipman, Director for CASCA. “Recently, a worker suggested using pictures instead of a long written form for safety reports. It made things easier, faster, and more effective.” 3. Encourage Candor and Open Communication Employees need to feel safe speaking up about unsafe conditions or behaviors. In organizations with strong safety cultures, workers are encouraged—not punished— for raising concerns. Ted Lane has a unique way of testing this: “I’ll walk into a site missing a piece of safety gear. If a worker stops me and says, ‘Hey, get that fixed,’ I know that company’s culture is working.” 4. Lead by Example Leadership must consistently demonstrate their commitment to safety. When managers follow safety protocols, employees are far more likely to do the same. Patrick Cantner, HSE Director of Willbros Canada, advises, “If you say safety comes first, but then reward employees who cut corners to meet deadlines, your safety culture will collapse.” 5. Promote Transparency An open approach to safety builds trust and accountability. Some companies publicly share their safety records and improvement efforts to reinforce the importance of workplace safety. Kinder Morgan sets a high standard by posting safety reports—including injury rates and incidents—on its public website. This level of transparency keeps employees and leadership accountable. 6. Empower Employees to Act Workers must feel confident in stopping unsafe work without fear of retaliation. When employees know they have the authority to halt operations for safety concerns, they become active participants in maintaining a secure workplace. “Our control center operators don’t need approval to shut down a pipeline if they feel there’s an unsafe condition,” says Dan Carter, Director of the Central Region & Control Centre for Kinder Morgan. “That’s built into our procedures.” 7. Make Safety Personal People are more likely to follow safety procedures if they understand the personal impact. Sharon Cole, OHS Consultant for Alberta Gaming and Liquor Corporation, changed a skeptical worker’s attitude by asking him to imagine how he’d feel if his best friend got hurt on the job because he didn’t speak up. That moment of personal connection turned him into one of the most safety-conscious employees on the site. 8. Keep Safety Communication Frequent Safety isn’t a one-time conversation—it’s an ongoing discussion. Monthly safety updates, toolbox talks, and bulletin boards help reinforce key messages. Adam Czarnecki, Human Resource Manager for Great West Kenworth, recommends using statistics to keep employees engaged: “Send out reports on injury trends. Show workers the progress being made.” 9. Recognize and Reward Safe Behavior Positive reinforcement plays a critical role in fostering safety. However, rewards should focus on long-term commitment rather than quick incentives that might encourage underreporting of incidents. Chipman explains, “We offer training and career advancement to employees who prioritize safety. When new safety positions open, we promote from within.” 10. Start With Yourself Safety culture begins with individuals taking personal responsibility. It’s easy to point fingers at management or coworkers, but real change starts when every employee commits to prioritizing safety in their own work. The Real Bottom Line When safety is embedded in an organization’s culture, it doesn’t just prevent accidents—it improves efficiency, morale, and trust. Strong safety cultures don’t develop overnight, but with commitment, consistency, and leadership, they become an essential part of the workplace. The key takeaway? Safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a mindset, and it starts with you. BIS Social Media Follow BIS Safety Software for industry-leading safety updates, training solutions, and more. Hover over each icon for quick access to follow, share, or explore our other channels. 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