If you make safety your priority on the worksite, you’ll create a culture where safety is paramount. This can only benefit your shipyard and the employees you have on site. This starts from the top down with your management team setting the tone for the rest of the staff. There are additional considerations for marine companies, so consider your specific needs when establishing your safety programs. Here are some of the ways you can make safety a priority in your marine environment.
Putting safety first.
To properly communicate the importance of safety on the job, make sure that your management team is making it clear that safety is a top priority on site. Lead by example to demonstrate to your employees that the culture of safety is imperative to smooth operations. When they see that it’s not a passing idea or just a note on the wall, they will quickly follow suit.
Invest in training.
Safety training shouldn’t be just a single activity that is never repeated. Don’t only conduct a safety orientation directly after hire. While it’s important to onboard new employees with proper safety protocol, the only way to enforce it is to repeat the training regularly for everyone. Handbooks and signs are a good start, but regular training is the best way to communicate the importance of safety in your shipyard.
Enforce the rules.
What happens in your marine company when a rule is ignored or an accident happens as a result? Rather than waiting for a problem, make sure that your safety team and management is constantly reinforcing the safety rules of the shipyard at all times. You should establish a procedure for reporting issues and correcting problematic behaviors on the job.
Reward safe behavior.
At the same time, correction isn’t the only way to enforce safety rules. In fact, positive reinforcement has been proven to work over time. When your shipyard workers engage in safe behavior, reward them for their commitment to the safety program. Recognizing their actions, especially publicly, will help them continue the behavior and share with everyone why this is essential to the success of your shipyard.
Work with a leader in shipyard staffing.
Do you need more information about making safety a priority in your marine environment? Contact the experts at Hutco to learn more today.
