How do you monitor safety outcomes on site?

1 Set clear and realistic goals

One of the first steps to effective safety leadership is to set clear and realistic goals for your team and yourself. Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They should also align with the overall safety objectives and policies of your organization. By setting SMART goals, you can motivate your team, track progress, and identify areas for improvement.

2 Communicate effectively

Communication is vital for safety leadership, as it allows you to share information, provide feedback, and address issues. As a supervisor, you should communicate regularly and clearly with your team, your management, and other stakeholders. You should also use different methods and channels of communication, such as verbal, written, visual, and digital. Effective communication can help you build trust, rapport, and collaboration among your team and ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding safety expectations and standards.

3 Empower and engage your team

Another key skill for safety leadership is to empower and engage your team. This means giving them the authority, resources, and support they need to perform their tasks safely and efficiently. It also means involving them in decision-making, problem-solving, and continuous improvement processes. By empowering and engaging your team, you can foster a sense of ownership, accountability, and commitment to safety among your team members.

4 Monitor and measure safety performance and outcomes

To ensure that your safety goals are being met and that your team is following the safety procedures and practices, you need to monitor and measure safety performance and outcomes. This can be done using various tools and indicators, such as audits, inspections, observations, reports, surveys, and metrics. These tools and indicators can help you assess the strengths and weaknesses of your safety performance, identify trends and patterns, and take corrective and preventive actions.

5 Recognize and reward good safety behavior

One of the best ways to reinforce and sustain good safety behavior is to recognize and reward it. As a supervisor, you should acknowledge and appreciate your team members who demonstrate safety excellence, comply with safety rules, report hazards and incidents, and participate in safety initiatives. You can also use incentives, such as bonuses, prizes, or certificates, to motivate and encourage your team to maintain or improve their safety performance.

6 Lead by example

Finally, the most important skill for safety leadership is to lead by example. This means that you should model the safety behavior and attitude that you expect from your team. You should also follow the safety policies and procedures, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), report any hazards or incidents, and participate in safety training and activities. By leading by example, you can show your team that you are committed to safety and that you value their health and well-being.