In order to ensure a safe and healthy workplace, organizations must rely on their employees to report safety concerns. While hazard reporting is critical for discovering and addressing risks, many employees avoid it. The following are some reasons why workplace hazards go unreported, and what you can do to change it in your organization:
Employees lack the time.
It can be easy to be distracted by daily work and not take the time to fulfill extra responsibilities. However, it is important to encourage employees to notify a supervisor if they notice a hazard. Encourage supervisors to take these reports seriously and address them as soon as possible. Otherwise, employees will be hesitant to report in the future.
Employees don’t know how to report the hazard.
Sometimes employees may notice a safety issue, but don’t report it because they don’t know how. Make sure to train new employees on what they should do if they spot a hazard. Also remind employees periodically, perhaps in one of your toolbox safety meetings, about the appropriate procedure.
Employees are concerned about getting in trouble.
If a hazard is the result of negligence, employees may worry about repercussions for identifying an issue. However, hazard reporting isn’t about discipline, but rather prevention and correction. Employees should feel empowered to speak with their supervisors about workplace issues without worrying about getting in trouble..
When it comes to hazard reporting, employees and company leaders should be proactive instead of waiting for an inspection to take place. This mindset will create a safer more enjoyable workplace for everyone. If you have questions about how to encourage employees to report hazards, or anything else related to safety in your organizations, contact Helpside Safety Director, Josh Hancey at (801) 443-1339 or jhancey@helpside.com.