The impacts of a positive workplace safety culture on Engineering operations

Engineering operations by nature of the works present great hazards and risks that if not addressed compromise on the safety of the personnel and equipment which consequently bring a negative impact to the desired output and an enterprise in general.

Around 1.8 million people suffer from a work-related illness today! Safety, therefore, remains a critical or perhaps the most important component in engineering operations. This is due to the many hazards involved which when not handled with utmost urgency can cost organizations grand losses. No one wants losses!

What Is Safety Culture?

Safety culture refers to the collection of values, attitudes, perceptions, competencies, and patterns of behavior that determine the style and proficiency of a company’s methods related to its health and safety performance.

When you have a positive safety culture, all teams are bought into their role in creating a positive end result.

• For the C-suite, that means making safety and compliance a priority, structuring budgets, and decision-making accordingly. Not just when regulation demands it, but because the health and safety of workers is a company priority.
• For management and supervisors, that means a commitment to proactive positive reinforcement of compliance and acknowledgment of wins over a reactive stance and punitive outcomes.
• For workers, that means being willing to show up prepared to work, staying alert, and taking the actions that keep everyone safe.

A positive safety culture is an investment with an invaluable ROI. It saves money, time, and energy. The practice ensures all workers are ready and willing to deliver a positive impact on the bottom line.

Benefits of Building a Positive Safety Culture

A positive safety culture ensures compliance and safeguards engineering operations by fostering vigilance from the C-suite to front-line workers. Without it, complacency and shortcuts increase, risking accidents that can disrupt production and damage financial growth. At Viscar Integrated Consulting Limited, we emphasize that a strong safety culture starts at the top, integrating proactive measures and shared values across all levels of the organization. This approach embeds safety into behaviors and attitudes, reducing harm and delivering significant benefits including;

Fewer Incidents

Ensuring safety in engineering projects goes beyond compliance. It engrains the belief that it is not only the responsibility of management but also employees. One of the most common factors impacting safety is undetected and unmitigated fatigue. Diligent workers at their stations are not even aware of lack of sleep, medication, or other factors that compromise their performance.Fatigue diminishes the capacity to make safe decisions. It reduces reaction time, stunts attention spans, impairs memory, and decreases accuracy and reaction time.

Reduced Absenteeism and Turnover

Accidents and injuries impact morale, productivity, and the bottom line, they in turn increase turnover. Injured workers choose not to come back, especially if they feel safety isn’t a management priority. A commitment to safety reduces costs and loss of workers and increases loyalty and confidence in management.

Lowered Insurance and Medical Costs

Accidents lead to insurance claims, mandated leaves from work, and lost productivity. All the burdens that affect the engineering operations, and even more so in today’s environment of worker shortages. Fewer accidents mean fewer claims and lower premiums. Good track records lead to rebates and discounts. It’s a win-win for management and workers. Employees spend less on medical bills and remain fit for work. Administrators devote more time to project tasks with less worry about replacing and training new workers.

Greater Productivity and Morale

While you can certainly be proud of your record, it’s near impossible to eliminate risk completely. But if you can curtail accidents, you create an awareness of the benefits of safety that trickles through the ranks. Employees feel less stress, are more confident around co-workers and have a higher level of trust in project managers. Everything leads to higher morale and productivity.

Enhanced Recruitment Opportunities

Your safety culture is crucial to how you’re perceived. People and contractors looking to partner with you see fewer incident reports and a proud safety history that speaks for itself. You also get a stronger selection of job candidates when they hear and see the confidence shining across the line. Your company’s safety reputation becomes a beacon for customers and top-notch employees alike.With a strong safety culture, everyone knows that the company cares. Thus, everyone wants to do a better job.

Why Viscar Stands Out In Safety

We are registered with the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), Registration No. OSH /BT 13. Our Safety solutions have been tailored mainly for the Energy, Telecommunications, Oil and Gas, Building and Construction, and Infrastructure Sectors of the Industry.  Our expertise includes Work at Height, Electrical Safety, Construction Safety, Road and Mobile Equipment Safety, Safety Leadership, Oil and Gas, Drilling Operations Safety and related areas.

Written by Orach Paul Francis,

Safety and Health Business Development Executive

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