As we celebrate National Safety Month, we recognize unique ways to raise awareness about crucial safety practices that can protect lives and prevent accidents. Throughout each week of June, we’re focusing on specific themes. For the inaugural week, our emphasis is on Safety Engagement. Safety engagement is vital for creating a safe, healthy, and productive work environment while protecting both employees and the organization from potential harm and liabilities.

Safety engagement is all about working towards a common goal – everyone returning home safely after each workday. Achieving this requires a shared vision between employers and workers. This engagement happens when employees grasp the company’s safety mission and understand how their actions contribute to it. To accomplish this, you must have transparent and consistent communication.

1. Leadership Commitment: Ensure visible support from leadership.
2. Employee Involvement: Encourage participation in safety matters.
3. Clear Communication: Communicate safety expectations consistently.
4. Training and Recognition: Provide thorough training and recognize safety contributions.
5. Continuous Improvement: Establish feedback mechanisms for ongoing safety improvement.
6. Leading by Example: Demonstrate safety leadership.
7. Empowerment and Openness: Empower employees and maintain an open reporting environment.

As safety and health professionals know, their work goes beyond systems, processes, and key performance indicators. Safety pros can use their influence at every level of an organization. When used effectively, it can be a powerful tool. As we kick off National Safety Month, challenge your safety team to explore innovative approaches to enhancing safety engagement throughout your company.