x
RECEIVE BUSINESS TIMES FREE TO YOUR DOOR EACH MONTH, COURTESY OF ROYAL MAIL.
* indicates required

Safety, culture and compliance… the building blocks of business success

Recognising the importance of safety and compliance to today’s corporate culture has never been more relevant, argues compliance expert Adam Fox.

AS A BUSINESS coach who also runs a successful health, safety and compliance business, I have seen at first hand how the integration of safety and compliance into corporate culture can transform an organisation.

Adam Fox.

Before launching my coaching career, I spent 20 years in health and safety and compliance. My journey has shown me that these elements are not just regulatory obligations; they are fundamental to sustainable business success across all industries.

Throughout my two decades in asbestos compliance and health and safety, I have witnessed a significant evolution in how businesses approach these critical areas. Initially seen as mere necessities for legal and physical protection, safety and compliance have grown to become central pillars of a robust corporate strategy for the most successful businesses.

They bolster a company’s reputation and enhance employee morale by demonstrating a genuine commitment to well-being. Properly implemented, safety and compliance practices protect against risks, reduce accidents and save costs from fines and lost productivity.

But their impact goes deeper – by building trust and security. They lay the groundwork for a thriving workplace culture.

The integration of safety into the very fabric of company culture should be a strategic goal for every business. This goes beyond putting up safety posters or holding occasional or mandatory training sessions. It involves embedding health and safety as core values, reflected in every business decision and practice.

Take, for example, a client in the construction industry whose sites were plagued with safety incidents. By involving employees in safety planning and decision-making, we transformed their compliance from a ‘check the box’ activity into a central business function. This not only improved their compliance record but also enhanced employee productivity, engagement and loyalty.

The leaders of successful organisations are crucial in this cultural shift. Leaders must model and promote safety and compliance not as a priority but as a norm. This can be challenging but it is essential for cultivating a culture where every team member feels personally responsible for safety.

Effective leadership in safety creates an environment where employees feel valued and protected, increasing job satisfaction and productivity. Leaders must communicate openly about policies, encourage feedback, and show genuine care for employee well-being.

Engaging employees in safety is not just about informing them of the rules. It is about making them active participants in the safety culture. This engagement can be fostered through regular interactive training sessions, safety committees involving employees from various levels, and recognition programmes that reward safe behaviour.

Such strategies not only make safety more dynamic and relevant to employees but also foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for workplace safety. When employees are directly involved, they are more likely to commit to and advocate for the safety culture. I have seen time and again where the employees on the frontline have the best ideas when it comes to improving safety – not only can they see where the improvements can and should be made but they also spot the opportunities to streamline operations in the process, resulting in increased productivity and profitability.

To truly understand the effectiveness of integrating safety and compliance into corporate culture, businesses need to track specific key performance indicators. These might include the number of safety incidents reported, employee satisfaction scores, and compliance audit results. Regularly reviewing these KPIs helps in recognising achievements and identifying areas for improvement.

Reporting of incidents and near misses is something that should be actively encouraged. It is only through this reporting that your business can improve and ultimately succeed.

Suppressing these numbers not only sends out the message that you do not genuinely care but it also prevents you from identifying the areas in which your business can improve and increase your bottom line.

Continuous improvement in safety and compliance is not a static goal but a dynamic process of adaptation and learning. Regular updates to training programmes and safety protocols, based on the latest industry standards and technological advancements, are essential.

Maintaining a culture that values safety and compliance requires consistent effort. This includes ongoing training, timely updates to safety protocols and maintaining open lines of communication across the organisation. As a business coach, I emphasise the importance of leadership development in sustaining these efforts. Leaders must be equipped not only with the necessary knowledge but also with the skills to inspire and lead by example.

The integration of safety and compliance into corporate culture is not only beneficial. It is also essential for modern businesses aiming for long-term success. This approach not only safeguards the physical and legal aspects of a business but also enhances its overall health, creating a more engaged and productive workforce.

As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of modern industries, understanding the profound impact of safety and compliance on corporate culture is more important than ever. I encourage business owners to reevaluate their safety and compliance strategies, ensuring they are deeply integrated into their corporate cultures.

For those looking to enhance their approach, consider reaching out for expert guidance to navigate this vital integration effectively.

Adam Fox is director of Consulo Compliance.

consulocompliance.co.uk

More from Northamptonshire:

More features articles: