Building a positive safety culture

MCS Influencer Renee Ramey says that at the end of the day, your employees’ safety should be a reason to celebrate!

Safety in metal construction projects, specifically roofing, should be the top priority for any roofing business and/or installer. It's hard to create a successful business or make money if you're facing injuries, lawsuits or a labor shortage to support your workload.

There are some obvious ways to help ensure safety such as safety standards that meet all local, state, and federal requirements; appropriate and functioning safety equipment such as steel-toed shoes, gloves, hard hats and so on; and safety protocols that are communicated clearly and frequently with your employees. However, beyond the basics, there are other effective ways to improve and promote safety.

Those can include safety-focused efforts that require employee participation such as:

• Safety conversations where employees review processes or equipment to proactively identify potential safety concerns. This can be as simple as having random, short conversations about a specific task with other employees outside your area… bringing a new set of eyes to something can often lead to discovery and improvement.
• Holding regular safety meetings where all employees attend, and open conversation is encouraged. This helps employees to be aware of safety in all areas of your business.
• Providing incentives to employees who discover a potential safety issue can encourage better observation and reporting.  
• Frequent safety training sessions where new procedures, equipment, and/or requirements are introduced to employees can help engage employees. They can’t be expected to know what is not shared with them, so over-communicate for safety.
• Contests, quizzes and events that bring employees together to celebrate/recognize safety can generate excitement about safety. Host a quarterly BBQ where safety is the theme or a celebration when safety goals are met (such as number of days without an injury).
• Employee safety-focused giveaways such as company logoed sweatshirts with a safety slogan or coffee mugs with a safety message may also bring more awareness to your safety efforts.

In short, finding ways to create and promote a culture that values safety can be extremely effective. Because at the end of the day, your employees’ safety should be a reason to celebrate!