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In industries such as warehousing, where automated machinery, fast-paced environments, and complex tasks intersect, warehouse safety is paramount. This is also the case in manufacturing environments. The dangers of workplace accidents and injuries are very real, and the cost to both workers and organizations is significant. However, there is a clear and compelling way to minimize risks, enhance safety, and create a culture of continuous improvement in warehouse safety and health - and that is by positively influencing safe workplace behaviors.
On a recent episode of the Mighty Line Minute podcast, host Dave Tabar and guest Wes Wyatt of Warehouse Safety Tips discussed the powerful impact of influencing behaviors to create a safer working environment. Wes shared valuable insights into how leadership, consistent safety protocols, and proactive communication can drastically reduce risks and set a standard for workplace safety. We’ll head into these insights and explore how they can be applied in warehouse and manufacturing facilities to help ensure everyone goes home safe every day.
One of the key points emphasized during the podcast was the importance of leading by example. This philosophy is not just for supervisors and managers, but extends to every worker in the facility. For example, where personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and high-visibility clothing are required - the actions of leaders can directly influence the behavior of their team members. Safe operation of powered industrial trucks is also essential to employee and warehouse safety.
Wes pointed out that when employees see their supervisors and managers not wearing safety equipment, or cutting corners with safety protocols, it sends the wrong message. Employees may believe it’s acceptable to do the same. This leads to complacency which can quickly lead to dangerous accidents. Therefore, setting the right example is essential for maintaining a culture of safety.
Supervisors must confidently and consistently wear their PPE, follow safety protocols, and demonstrate the behaviors they expect their employees to mirror. Wes said, “safety begins with you.” When leaders prioritize safety in their own actions, it reinforces its importance for everyone in the facility.
Beyond simply wearing the appropriate gear, creating and enforcing consistent safety standards is a crucial component of workplace safety. This involves clearly communicating safety expectations, providing training, and continuously reinforcing these standards. A strong safety culture is one where everyone is aligned on the same goals and where all are committed to upholding safety procedures. Wes shared that a critical part of this process includes conducting pre-shift and/or post-shift safety meetings.
These meetings, often brief, can cover essential topics such as:
These quick check-ins ensure that safety remains top of mind and encourages employees to share their experiences. These meetings foster “continuous improvement” by encouraging reflection and open dialogue about safety practices. Workers are more likely to adhere to safety procedures if they feel that safety is consistently being reinforced and discussed.
While leadership plays a critical role, another significant aspect of workplace safety is peer influence. Often, safety isn’t just about the policies put in place by management but also about the culture employees create among themselves. Workers should feel empowered to hold one another accountable for safety.
Wes explained the concept of “See Something, Say Something.” If an employee observes a coworker engaging in unsafe behavior - whether it’s not wearing appropriate PPE, failing to follow lockout/tag-out procedures, or taking shortcuts involving equipment use - they should feel confident in addressing the issue immediately. This isn’t about accusing or reprimanding colleagues; rather, it’s about looking out for each other’s well-being.
One way to approach this is by highlighting the real-life consequences of unsafe behaviors. For instance, sharing a personal story or a case where someone got hurt because they didn’t follow safety protocols can make the importance of compliance more tangible. Wes offered an example: “I saw someone not wear their hair up and get a piece of hair torn out and sucked into a machine.” By making such stories relatable, employees can understand the potential risks and take safety far more seriously.
However, it’s just as important to recognize and praise safe behaviors. Wes also pointed out that safety should not only focus on correcting bad behavior but also acknowledging good practices. For example, walking over to a colleague who consistently works safely and saying, “Good job! I notice you always prioritize your safety.” Positive reinforcement helps to reinforce desirable behaviors and encourages a culture where safety is always top of mind.
In addition to peer-to-peer accountability, creating an environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up is essential for long-term safety. Wes encouraged workers to speak up about unsafe behaviors and unsafe conditions—not only for their own safety but for the safety of others. “If you see something, say something,” should be a core principle in the workplace. When employees feel supported by their supervisors and peers to report hazards or unsafe practices, they are more likely to take ownership of their own safety and that of their colleagues.
This open communication also involves regular discussions about continuous improvement. Safety doesn’t happen in a vacuum - it’s an ongoing process that requires consistent reflection and feedback. Employees should feel they can suggest improvements and point out areas where safety protocols can be improved.
For example, after an incident or near-miss, a supervisor might hold a meeting to review what went wrong and ask employees for suggestions on how to prevent it from happening again. Such a collaborative approach helps employees feel invested in the process of safety improvement. As Dave emphasized, “continuous improvement” should always be the goal, especially while working to achieve operational and safety excellence.
An important point made by Dave during the podcast was his concern about the development of complacency in the work environment. In workplaces where safety is generally good, employees may begin to feel like they are invulnerable or that accidents are unlikely to happen. This feeling of security can lead to workers becoming less vigilant and less likely to follow safety protocols. Over time, complacency creeps in, and it only takes one lapse in judgment for an accident to occur.
To counter this complacency, Wes recommended regularly reminding employees about the importance of personal responsibility. Safety must be treated as an ongoing team and personal effort. Each worker must take ownership of their own safety and the safety of those around them. Leaders can help foster this mindset by emphasizing that “safety is everyone’s job” and that we are all responsible for ensuring a safe work environment. Whether it’s by encouraging the reporting of hazards, performing safety checks, or reinforcing the proper use of PPE, every employee should understand that they are a critical part of the safety process.
Safety must be woven into the very fabric of the workplace culture. When safety becomes an intrinsic value of the organization, it influences every aspect of work. This means safety is not just something to check off on a list - it’s an ongoing commitment that drives every decision made. This includes from the design of the workplace and its equipment, to the procedures developed for safe operations, and to daily operations where tasks are carried out by all employees.
One effective way to incorporate safety into the culture is through the implementation of 5S Principles. These principles: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain - are designed to create organized, efficient, and safe workplaces. By adopting these principles, workers can identify hazards, reduce clutter, and ensure that safety standards are adhered to consistently.
Additionally, fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to celebrate safety successes can go a long way. Recognizing employees who consistently follow safety protocols, who report hazards, or who contribute to improving safety practices reinforces that safety is a shared goal for everyone.
Creating a safe workplace is not solely the responsibility of managers or supervisors; it requires a collective effort from every worker. As discussed in the Mighty Line Minute podcast, influencing safe behaviors starts with leading by example, empowering peers to hold each other accountable, and fostering open communication. By consistently reinforcing the importance of safety, creating a culture of continuous improvement, and avoiding complacency, we can help ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of each day.
Ultimately, safety isn’t just a set of rules – it’s a collaborative mindset that needs to be adopted by everyone. As Wes stated, “Safety begins with you.” When every employee takes responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their colleagues, the entire workplace benefits from a safer, more productive environment. By focusing on these key principles, warehouses and manufacturing facilities can not only reduce work-related injuries and illnesses, but also build a culture where safety and health is prioritized at every level of the organization.
