Building a Safer Workplace: Why Listening to Your Team Matters
A strong safety culture doesn’t happen by accident, it takes intentional effort, consistent follow-through and trust.
So how do we build a safety culture that truly protects our teams? It starts with listening.
Encourage Honest Feedback
The people closest to the work often spot the risks first. That’s why creating easy, accessible ways for employees to share feedback is key. Once feedback is acknowledged, it must be acted on. If workers feel like their concerns disappear into a void, they’ll stop sharing. Timely responses, visible improvements and open communication show that their voices matter, and that we’re listening.
Be Transparent About What’s Next
Use insights from employees to guide your safety goals and focus areas. Then, clearly communicate your plan, what’s being done, who’s responsible and how progress will be shared. Transparency builds trust and keeps safety efforts moving forward.
Bring in a Trusted Partner
Sometimes, it helps to have an outside perspective. A third-party safety expert can offer unbiased insights, help uncover blind spots and support building or rebuilding trust. They can also help design feedback processes that work well for your unique environment.
Safety Starts with Trust
Creating a safe workplace requires more than checklists and procedures, it takes a culture where everyone feels heard, respected and empowered. When we listen to feedback, act on it and communicate openly, we make our work environment a safer, stronger place for all. This foundation of trust is especially critical during a new employee’s first 90 days, which is statistically the most dangerous period on the job. By reinforcing a culture of safety from the very beginning, we help prevent injuries and set the tone for long-term success.
Read More: Why the First 90 Days Matter Most: FBG’s Commitment to a Culture of Safety
Safety+Health. (2024, June 20). Improving workplace safety culture. Safety+Health. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/25479-improving-workplace-safety-culture