Why ensuring safe workplaces is good for your bottom line

Safe systems of work not only prevent workplace injuries and misadventure, and protect business owners and managers from prosecution under WHS legislation, they also contribute to better overall business processes.

Continuity is critical for any business. Meeting deadlines and minimising costs are crucial for both profitability and maintaining a strong reputation in the marketplace. If the achievement of these objectives are jeopardised by poor safety practices you are inviting disruption… and red ink.

The simple fact is that organised workplaces are not only productive, but more vibrant, more attentive to delivering quality outcomes and meeting business deadlines.

There are plenty of safety detractors out there, however find me one that can convincingly argue that better safety does not lead to better organised workplaces, and I’ll walk to town in the nude.

A positive safety culture in your business permeates throughout the entire organisation. So how do you develop a positive safety culture?

It would be nice to think such a change can happen quickly and seamlessly, however it tends to be a more involved process.

The cornerstone of good change management practice begins by engaging staff and clarifying what benefits any change will mean for them. If they don’t see any benefits, change is difficult.

Safety is important to everyone who works in your business. Everyone expects and deserves to go home safely each day. Provided you are able to illustrate the connection between safety improvement efforts and actual safety outcomes, then team members should naturally be motivated by involvement in these activities.

Tread wear issues can appear as flat spots or areas of rapid wear on the tyre. Tread wear issues are commonly caused from brake issues, suspension or alignment problems, an unbalanced tyre or from misuse.

Sadly, too many safety initiatives are communicated in a way that does not clearly illustrate their connection to the genuine improvement of safety. So, how do you avoid deadening your team with safety initiatives?

Most successful businesses use both lead and lag indicators, such as LTIFR, AIFR, observation audits, training, site inspections and many others as part of their balanced dashboard process to help monitor and drive business performance.

Proactive businesses uncover other ways to streamline processes, making them more efficient while also delivering better customer service and boosting the bottom line.

Consultatively developed work procedures, when coupled with robust training and competency assessments, are easier to implement and more likely to be adhered to. The bonus is that these will not only boost productivity but lift morale – as processes are not only practical and realistic, but are owned and inherently safe.

All of this helps you to meet your safety, service and profit targets – meaning good safety is actually good for business.

Plant Assessor’s clients have seen how better safety management means more efficient business processes and we can help you as well. For more information, please contact us.

Disclaimer: This information is intended to provide general information on the subject matter. This is not intended as legal or expert advice for your specific situation. You should seek professional advice before acting or relying on the content of this information.