Safety policies are vital for every business, but it can be difficult to ensure that all employees are informed on these policies. Whilst you can give them a list to read through, it’s unlikely that everyone will absorb it. 

Written policies often fall through the cracks – getting lost or forgotten about after being signed off. In reality, the best safety policies are ones that stay front and centre of our mind and are continuously being repeated.

If you’re finding that your employees aren’t aware of your safety policies and procedures, here are some ways to keep them informed. 

Training on safety policies 

It all starts with comprehensive safety training (via an online system like Beakon is best).

It’s important that your entire company has a uniform understanding of your safety policies, and a digital safety platform can ensure this is possible. 

In person measures are also recommended to run through aspects of safety procedures that may need to be demonstrated. Safety seminars and fortnightly safety recaps are always a good idea, and with an LMS you can upload your own videos of these demonstrations.

Safety training should always be ongoing, so make sure you offer multiple training options throughout the year, so that employees get a good understanding of your business’s safety expectations.

Make it known that safety is the number one priority for your business, as continually referencing your safety policy will help embed it into the minds of your employees. 

Safety-conscious leadership

When it comes to cementing your safety policies, lead by example. All leaders and managers in your company should internalise and enact all safety protocols to ensure that they can effectively teach them to others. 

If you run a business or work in a leadership role, ensure that you’re constantly on the lookout for any unsafe behaviour. Correct people when they’re doing something that goes against your policies, and always reinforce the correct ways of doing things. This active type of leadership will embed your safety policies into your company’s culture, giving employees a more uniform vision of your standards.

Reward people who make safe decisions

Positive reinforcement is a great way to encourage employees to take on safety measures. If you notice particular employees embodying correct safety protocols, praise and reward them. 

This indicates to your entire business that safety is of utmost importance. If acting within policy is rewarded, more people will strive to make your workplace as safe as it can possibly be.

Keep your workplace clean and safe

The appearance of your workplace will indicate the safety standards you wish to uphold. If your workplace is messy, chaotic and disorganised, your employees are less likely to respect it. 

On the other hand, if your work environment is clean and organised, this will encourage employees to pay attention to detail. So, a safe and well-maintained workspace will set the standard for safety policies that people respect.

Have your safety policies evaluated by a third party

Sometimes it’s not just the implementation of the safety policies that need work, but the policies themselves. When was the last time you refreshed your safety standards?

If you’re looking for a way to keep your employees’ safety knowledge up to date, consider having your workplace safety evaluated by a third party. 

These specialists will let you know where you’re excelling, and where you need to improve in terms of safety. The presence of an external authoritative figure will also help to reinforce the importance of safety among your employees.

Sometimes, an outsider’s perspective can help you revise your safety standards, as when you’ve been working in the same place for a long time, it can become difficult to determine whether certain practices are unsafe. 

Having your workplace safety evaluated will give you guidance on where to incorporate more stringent safety measures, so that your business can uphold high standards. If you have a clear direction for your business’s future safety measures, you’ll be able to communicate this with your employees. 

Safety can make or break your business. If you’re seeking ways to inform your employees on safety policies, check out Beakon’s risk management software.