Why is it important to report safety hazards at your workplace?
Table of Contents
Why don’t employees report safety hazards at work?
Hazard report and recognition training
Hazard report form key points
Why should employees report safety hazards?
Every employer and manager would like to think that their employees and team feel comfortable enough to report any safety hazards in their workspaces and job environments. But in fact, research from the Journal of Management Studies found that almost 50 percent of employees reported being “in situations where they were concerned about an issue but did not raise it to a supervisor.”
In another more recent study, the Harvard Business Review also found that half of the 200 people they interviewed “revealed that they felt it was not “safe to speak up” or challenge traditional ways of doing things. The reason? Self-preservation and protection. The study determined that the innate protective instinct was so powerful that it also inhibited speech that clearly would have been intended to help the organization.”
However, more and more employees in all industries are beginning to speak up and report safety hazards in their workplace. For example, workplace safety hazards for hospitality and hotel workers are finally being taken seriously with many US states implementing mandatory panic button devices for these people who experience harassment regularly.
Why don’t employees report safety hazards at work?
What these studies reveal is troubling. Troubling because statistically, about half your team is not willing to report safety issues that, when addressed and taken care of, can prevent injuries and save lives.
So why don’t employees report incidents and potential safety hazards? The reasons can sometimes be both personal and professional, making the issue a complex one, but definitely solvable. Overall, employees won’t report safety hazards because:
The employee does not feel the hazard is their responsibility because it doesn’t affect them.
It is a company/work culture where employees do not feel comfortable enough to voice their safety concerns with fear of repercussions.
There is pressure and tight deadlines to get work/projects done.
In the past when a safety hazard was reported, nothing or not much was done about it.
Hazard report and recognition training
Safety hazard reporting is not just a quick email or conversation. Hazard recognition and reporting may require some training and education, depending on which industry you’re in. But regardless of how you implement hazard reporting, make sure that your form includes the following 5 key points of information – but customize to your organizational needs as well.
Hazard report form key points
When and where the safety hazard was reported.
Any relevant information related to the hazard using text and photos.
If there was an injury and what medical attention it required.
Steps/action plan to mitigate or eliminate the safety hazard.
Control measures put in place to prevent future accidents from taking place.
Why should employees report safety hazards?
Overall, it is obvious that any one of the six types of workplace safety hazards should regularly be reported by employees, however, there are specific reasons for this reporting that make it even more necessary for all parties and individuals involved.
Raises awareness
We’re going to start with the obvious reason in that when employees report safety hazards, particularly physical safety hazards, they’re identifying the dangers of your workplace. Safety hazards can be identified through safety hazard assessments and emergency response plans, however, the best and most effective strategy is to rely on the eyes, ears, and noses of those working in the actual workspace. Employees in different roles will see things that are not captured in regular safety assessments.
Prevents a pattern
The last problem you want to have in the workplace is a recurring pattern of accidents occurring until an employee gets hurt or worse. When employees report safety hazards, it empowers managers and employers to “nip the problem in the bud,” directly addressing the root issues that are causing these hazards. Having said that, it can also identify existing patterns so you can analyze trends and develop strategies to stop these trends and patterns.
Provides a big picture of workplace safety
Because those impacted by the safety hazards are reporting them from different roles and perspectives, managers and employers are provided with a big, accurate, and up-to-date picture of the team’s safety. This is valuable because it provides you with a broader view of what the safety needs are for your team as well as how dangerous their work is or can be.
Promotes a strong work and safety culture
With employees feeling comfortable enough to regularly report safety hazards, the habit and practice encourage a strong and cohesive work and safety culture amongst the team. This is important because when you have such an open culture and everyone is on the same page, the work environment becomes significantly safer and more secure. When people feel safe, they tend to perform and produce better work because they don’t worry as much about their well-being.
Prevents litigation and lawsuits
Having a work culture where employees can openly report and discuss safety issues will protect both the people and the organization from possible litigation and lawsuits. Such a culture will help show the company is doing its due diligence to protect its employees, addressing and mitigating any safety issues as they are reported.
Increases worker wellness
On top of all of these reasons, a strong safety culture where your people report safety hazards will also result in more engaged, happier workers – there are multiple wins. Working within such a culture, employees are happier knowing everyone has each other’s back, as well as peace of mind that safety is a priority.
Start reporting safety hazards now!
So, it’s clear that if you feel that your team is not reporting safety hazards or are hesitant/afraid to do so, as a manager and employer, you need to take action now. It only takes one mistake or omission of detail for an employee to get hurt - such as not clearing a walkway at work where people can experience slip and fall injuries. These seemingly innocuous details could be a major problem and accident if not addressed so encourage – and even reward – those who speak up about safety.
Encouraging employees to report safety hazards is vital for maintaining a safe work environment. Utilize our Lone Worker Safety Solution App to streamline reporting processes, explore our pricing options, and gain insights on Workplace Hazards. Visit our FAQ page for more information, discover the benefits of our solutions, and check out the latest lone worker safety devices.
Talk to a SafetyLine professional about how you can protect your lone workers