Last updated on Jul 14, 2024

Ensuring safety standards with high turnover: Can you maintain consistency during shifts?

In automotive manufacturing, safety is paramount. High turnover can challenge the consistency of safety practices across shifts. You might wonder if it's possible to maintain a high standard of safety when the workforce is constantly changing. This article will explore strategies to ensure that safety is not compromised despite the ebb and flow of employees.

1 Training Rigor

A robust training program is the cornerstone of safety in any automotive manufacturing plant. When facing high turnover, it's crucial to have a standardized training protocol that every new hire goes through without exception. This training should cover all safety procedures, emergency responses, and proper use of equipment. It's also beneficial to implement regular refresher courses for all employees to reinforce safety protocols and update them on any new procedures or equipment.

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2 Shift Handovers

Effective communication during shift handovers is vital in maintaining safety standards. To ensure consistency, detailed checklists and reports should be used to capture any safety concerns or incidents that occurred during a shift. This allows the incoming team to be fully aware of the plant's current state and any potential hazards they need to watch out for, ensuring a seamless transition in maintaining safety standards.

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Andre Bruce

Operations Plant Superintendent
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Several major accidents have had at their root cause handover: The Exxon Valdez and Piper Alpha disasters just to name two prominent ones. The Handover of high risk operations must be properly and formally conducted. Key information, like production upsets/anomalies, safety/operating systems that are offline or bypassed, high risk work activity and personnel availability, must be specifically communicated, fully understood and formally accepted by both parties (in & out). Consistent failure to do proper handovers, overtime, leads to a poor handover culture that can lead to dangerous gaps in the relay of key information. Handovers can be done on simple paper based or elaborate electronic systems. Whichever used, it must be properly done.

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3 Mentorship Programs

Implementing a mentorship program can bridge the gap between experienced workers and newcomers. Pairing seasoned employees with new hires not only facilitates the transfer of important safety knowledge but also provides a point of contact for any safety-related questions or concerns. This one-on-one attention helps to quickly bring new employees up to speed on safety expectations and practices.

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4 Continuous Improvement

In the automotive manufacturing industry, safety protocols must evolve with changing processes and technologies. Encourage a culture of continuous improvement where employees at all levels are empowered to suggest safety enhancements. Regular safety audits and assessments can help identify areas for improvement, ensuring that safety measures keep pace with the high turnover and dynamic nature of the industry.

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5 Accountability Measures

To maintain consistent safety standards, accountability must be emphasized. Clear policies and consequences for safety violations are necessary to ensure that all employees, regardless of tenure, understand the seriousness of safety within the plant. Regularly reviewing these policies with your team can reinforce their importance and demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment.

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6 Technology Utilization

Leveraging technology can significantly aid in upholding safety standards amidst high turnover. Digital tools and software can automate safety checklists, track compliance, and provide easy access to safety manuals and procedures. These technologies help standardize safety practices across shifts and provide a consistent reference for all employees, reducing the risk of safety lapses due to human error or oversight.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jerome Goode

Area Safety Manager @ WM of Northern California / Nevada
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When turnover increases….Focus on fundamentals As a safety professional your developed influence will not always be able to affect turnover positively. When this happens I believe it’s critical that you focus on the basics of safe operations…no matter the level in which the turnover is happening, teach, and follow up on the core ideas that drive a successful and safe operation. Also, turnover has to be considered more than just a challenge. It has to be looked at as an opportunity for a new beginning to attain higher levels of success. But what makes this philosophy different from the training aspect of #1 is that you have to dedicate just as much time to the building of a new culture and mindset. Turnover provides opportunities…..

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Ensuring safety standards with high turnover: Can you maintain consistency during shifts?

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1 Training Rigor

2 Shift Handovers

3 Mentorship Programs

4 Continuous Improvement

5 Accountability Measures

6 Technology Utilization

7 Here’s what else to consider

Automotive Manufacturing

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