Making the Most of your Safety Reminders
Safety training isn’t a one-and-done event. It’s a dynamic and constant process of reminding workers about previous lessons and pointing out new hazards that may appear on the job. A network of safety reminders that use different methods of communication is the best way to keep safety on every worker’s mind.
Use these tips to reinforce your safety messages!
1. Conduct Both Announced and Unannounced Safety Inspections
Your everyday coaching is a good opportunity for spontaneous correction and praise. But it can be just as important to do announced observances as well. If your workers know that they’re about to be evaluated, they may review their safety rules and discover they haven’t been doing all they should, creating a valuable learning opportunity. Additionally, watching workers doing their job in what they believe is the safest way can give you crucial information about where they need more training.
2. Rotate Safety Reminders
Your workers may be aware of safety reminder posters you have posted around your workplace. But if they see them in the same location every day, your reminders will start to blend into the landscape over time. Make a schedule to rearrange posters once a month or even once a week to keep reminders visible and on your workers’ minds.
3. Bring in Outside Experts
Think about inviting a safety professional, physical therapist, or athletic trainer to talk to your workers. You can bring them in during training or toolbox talks to go over specific topics such as utilizing better ergonomics or showcasing the differences between different kinds of safety equipment. Sometimes a special event with an unfamiliar face can make lessons more memorable.
4. Have your Workers Enforce Safety Reminders
If your workers are inspired to think constantly about their own safety as well as that of their teammates, they can serve as a second set of eyes and ears at your worksite for safety hazards. Encouraging everyone to make team safety their business helps your company maintain a vibrant and supportive safety culture even in your absence.
5. Empower and Reward your Workers
Use the power of empowerment to reward workers who keep themselves and their coworkers safe. Whether they’re reminding their teammates to be safe, actively mentoring new workers, or bringing safety hazards to your attention, you can recognize them for their efforts and reward them with perks like gift cards, vacation days, or better parking spots to create a precedent for positive reinforcement in the future.
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