Safety Mindset in the Workplace
How to Develop a Safety Mindset Culture in Your Workplace.
What is Safety Mindset?
A safety mindset in the workplace can be defined as an overarching attitude within a company that puts health and safety firmly in the minds of all staff and management.
Developing a safety culture in the workplace ensures staff are willing to cooperate with management to create a safe working environment, regarding not only physical health but mental health as well
Safety Mindset and Mental Health.
By creating a safety mindset in the workplace, a company is internally, and externally communicating that employee health and safety is a high priority.
As an employee, knowing your company places emphasis on your wellbeing is a reassuring factor that leads to positive mental health and a greater sense of belonging, cooperation, and loyalty.
A workplace that has a good mental health culture has 9 attributes according to Beyond Blue, they are:
- Prioritising mental health
- Trusting, fair & respectful culture
- Open & honest leadership
- Good job design
- Workload management
- Employee development
- Inclusion influence
- Work/Life balance
- Mental health support
Safety Mindset in the Workplace.
Workplace safety and health are more than some buzzwords; maintaining the safety and health of the staff within a company is realised by actions that first begin as an attitude.
The mindset a company takes towards employee health and safety will affect many other aspects of the workplace.
A company that takes a blasé attitude towards safety may see a blasé attitude being taken towards other areas of the company.
A safety mindset instils a culture of ownership, cooperation, and nurturing throughout the workplace, which in turn promotes healthy relationships and increased mental health.
Building a Better Workplace Through Safety Mindset Training.
A safety mindset is all about cooperation, education, and training. Any company can begin to develop a workplace safety culture by taking some of these practical steps:
- Lead by example – Staff will often take the lead from people in management, so setting a good example is key.
- Set clear goals and objectives for the company and its staff. E.g. reduce incidents, increase reporting, identify risks
- Create a reward or recognition system for people who are contributing towards a safety mindset
- Open communication channels for people to come to report, or ask about safety issues
- Hold regular safety meetings and talks
Mental Health Journey Workshops.
Resources.
Heads up
National Workplace Program
AusHealth Work
Mental Health Education and Awareness for Employees
World Health Organisation
Mental health in the workplace - Information sheet
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- 0480 307 637
- info@mhja.net.au
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