Most companies have workplace policies and procedures regarding safety, but effectiveness of such policies can vary.
Safety+Health magazine shares the following recommendations for effective safe work practices.
- They should be clearly stated. Use simple, easy-to-understand words in an active voice. For example: 鈥淲ear hard hats on the job site at all times.鈥
- They should be positively phrased. Employees are more likely to follow a rule when it is worded in a positive way, such as 鈥淎lways wear rubber gloves on the job,鈥 rather than a negative way, such as 鈥淒on鈥檛 forget to wear your rubber gloves.鈥
- They should be fair. Restrictive practices that are meaningless and selectively enforced can make all work practices seem less credible.
- They should be consistently communicated. Share safe work practices regularly in meetings; discuss them during performance reviews; integrate them into department procedures; and post them on posters throughout the workplace, among other strategies.