Seaside, CA (PressExposure) July 14, 2010 -- Empirical evidence has shown that construction workers do not wear safety toe boots when there is no emphasis from the management. Even though every individual is concerned about their personal workplace safety when working in a high risk environment, workers tend to take higher than required risks unless there are explicit rules by the management. Even basic common sense safety measures such as wearing safety boots may not be adhere to when there are no clear instructions from the management. This indicates the importance of the role that management plays in the safety culture of any work site, not just in the construction industry.
There is a tendency for people to neglect safety rules, unless there is a strong reminder from the supervisory level that safety is important. Individuals and teams must be reminded of all safety regulations from time to time so as to maintain the safety awareness and the adherence of rules. Basic rules such as the wearing or hard hats and wearing of safety boots must be repeated so that all work site personnel will stick to this basic rule that no one is to enter the work site unless he or she is wearing the appropriate safety equipment. The management must not leave any of such regulations or safety rules to chance and hope that all personnel will conform to these rules; without constant reminders. The job of the management is to ensure that everyone has heard about the safety rulings and also be able to articulate the rules when required. This will ensure that a safety consciousness is being maintained in the organization.
The safety culture of the organization is very much dependent on the emphasis given by the management. Maintaining a awareness by the staff, there is a need for repeated messaging by the management as well as a proper incentive and disincentive system to reward correct behavior and also correct the wrong behavior. Such emphasis will then lead to greater safety awareness and improved safety records for the company.