Implementing Culture for a Safe Workplace

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Implementing Culture for a Safe Workplace
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Culture

• What is the culture of an organization?
• the way in which safety is managed in the
  workplace, and often reflects "the attitudes,
  beliefs, perceptions and values that employees
  share in relation to safety Cox Cox, 1991
• Does it impact the performance of your people and
  your programs?
• How would you rate culture in your organization?

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Foundation

• Safety culture is not built overnight and it is
  not imposed.
• The safety culture will be a direct correlation
  with the leadership demonstrated.
• Do we drive the culture or survive it?
• It will be tested everyday.

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Damaging Examples

• Not following policies and procedures (drug and
  alcohol, driving the speed limit, cell phone use)
• Too dangerous to ask the employees so I will do
  it
• Cramming. Safety meetings, hazard assessments,
  inspections just prior to an audit being
  performed.
• Sacrificing Safety for Production.

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Examples that Build Culture

• Saying no to a customer when safety conditions
  are not acceptable.
• Engaging your people to participate in safety
  meetings
• Find ways that reward contribution
• Frequent communication regarding health safety
  issues (even when there are not issues)

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Where are you at?

• Determine the perception among the employees
  the people that have to live and breath your
  policies and procedures
• Open and transparent process
• Explain what is going to happen outcomes
• Ask good questions
• Whining vs. constructive comments
• Groups vs. individual
• Top 10 List
• Confidential responses
• Electronic or paper?

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The Process
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Pros and Cons

• Takes courage and integrity
• The process needs to be credible
• Provides an avenue for aggression
• You have to do something!
• Actions need to be demonstrated and visible to
  the employees
• You need to do it again

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Compliance vs. Best Practice

• Safety Police cant be everywhere at once
• What is the motivation for a health safety
  program?
• On the shelf programs
• Safety is something that everyone in the company
  understands
• Can your safety culture
• benefit other areas?

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Follow UP

• How can you measure culture in your organization?
• Do you need to change things?
• Do you truly want to change things?
• What are your next steps?
• Communication and understanding the dynamics of
  change
• Managing change
• Lessons learned

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Questions?

• Thank you for your time.
• For more information contact
• SDS Consulting Corporation
• 310, 3115 12 Street NE
• Calgary, Alberta T2E 7J2
• Phone [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• www.sdsconsulting.ca