The 21st century has given us cutting-edge tools and increased knowledge for improving safety, such as high-tech personal protective equipment and more effective management systems. However, investments in the best flame resistant clothing, air-purifying respirators, and chemical resistant gloves are only useful if people make a commitment to wearing them. Similarly, expertise in proven leadership practices can help you be a better leader but again, they are only beneficial if you make a commitment to use them. Behavior-based safety processes have been proven effective in reducing incidents and injuries but their effectiveness also requires an essential ingredient: commitment.
Commitment is a critical contributor to safety programs at all organizational levels. For optimal performance, front-line employees need to commit to following through on their training and wearing PPE, while managers must commit to overseeing the safety process and promoting safety as the key organizational value. In fact, if you take close look at industry research, it is clear that those leaders who commit to the stewardship of the entire safety process have the most impact on safety performance.
Dr. Moran’s new book, Building Safety Commitment, discusses proven ways of increasing people’s dedication to safety in the workplace.