To achieve success in health and safety management, there needs to be effective communication up, down and across the organisation. Organisations need to communicate information to their workers on the risk to their health and safety identified in their risk assessments, and the preventive and protective measures necessary to control risk. How to communicate safety to senior management will ensure the message is applied across the whole company and rolled out across all sectors.
‘Safety culture’ refers to shared organisational values towards mitigating risk. This is when the majority of people within a company place high value in maintaining a safe workplace, from senior management to temporary workers.
The information provided should be communicated appropriately, taking into account:-
The need for change
A lack of clear communication can not only hinder the unmitigated implementation of a health and safety culture, but can also end up contributing significantly to a dangerous workplace where accidents and illnesses occur more frequently. Taking the time to explain why such changes are necessary should assist with overcoming possible objections and resistance to change in the workplace. Engaging in visuals and showing just what could go wrong if safety isn’t implemented is a sure fire way of senior management getting on board with safety within the company. It is a proven training procedure that visuals stick in our minds a lot more than just words, and we retain the information far better.
Commitment required
Be clear on what you expect to change from senior management to all employees. Getting employees on board beforehand, rather than simply issuing orders to them without warning, will result in greater motivation from them to work towards the objectives. The attitudes of senior management is always significant in change, as employees take their lead from them. Effective communication supports the development of positive relationships with all staff and can influence attitudes and behaviours in relation to health and safety.
Putting plans effectively in place
With any new work ethos, ensuring an effective outcome and change is imperative. Once the commitment has been established and how to communicate safety to senior management is in place, then the plan needs to be actioned, to make sure things stay on track.
The importance of accountability
This is where you clarify all the important steps required from company directors and what you expect them to do in terms of safety. Following the implementation of safety protocols, it’s important to measure engagement. Senior management should assess the frequency of safety checks and attendance rates of safety meetings, and relay information to all staff. Safety communications should start at the top-level of your organisation, but permeate across all grades of your business.
For further information and assistance in how to communicate safety to senior management please contact us here.