World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2022 will be commemorated on April 28, 2022. This year’s theme “Let’s Act Together,” encourages us to focus on social dialogue and consultations, as we strive to create positive safety and health cultures in our businesses and more broadly across our nations. Meaningful participation facilitated by respectful interactions on matters impacting the well-being of employees, whether through formal Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Committees, or otherwise, can help to foster improved workplace conditions. When we join forces and come together for the common good and benefit of all parties, we all win!
At a national level, social dialogue can potentially influence more active participation between Government and the social partners, towards pushing the safety and health agenda. This is key to not only identifying emerging issues and addressing safety and health challenges within the workplace but is also critical to the development and revision of OSH policies and regulations. Both actions are necessary to achieve the desired improvements in safety and health practices across all sectors in the island.
At a company level, development of a robust and positive safety culture takes time. It does not happen overnight. Important to note, is that those companies that have achieved such, have done so through a culture of open communication and inclusivity – where ideas and feedback are welcomed from all levels within the organisation, safety leadership is demonstrated from the highest-ranking officer in the company, and everyone understands that safety is not only their responsibility but that all are accountable. Such an environment, encourages and promotes meaningful involvement, especially in discussions surrounding opportunities for improvement. There is a recognition amongst all parties that each category of worker has a significant role in the risk management process, from identification of hazards to collaboration on effective and appropriate controls.
In promoting this year’s theme of “Let’s Act Together,” I wish to encourage business leaders to create environments where employees feel comfortable raising concerns and reporting incidents. Take this information and let it guide your efforts to proactively manage safety and health within your businesses and enhance your safety management systems. Publicly acknowledge team members for their contributions, as this will help to foster trust and mutual respect. Remember, the information you gain from these consultations should lead to improved and more timely decision making, reduced instances of employee injury or ill-health (i.e. lower instances of absenteeism), reductions in operating costs as well as improvements in employee morale and increased productivity.
As we take a few moments to remember those we have lost through workplace accidents, Let’s Act Together to create more inclusive workplaces, where everyone has a voice, and a commitment to improving workplace safety and health is actively demonstrated – not just spoken about.