Safety Leadership: An Essential Safety Element

SAFETY LEADERSHIP: AN ESSENTIAL SAFETY ELEMENT

Every successful safety program is built on a foundation of essential elements. One such element is "Safety Leadership." Safety Leadership can be defined as "the influence of a person's words or actions on the safety decisions made by others."

It's important to note that safety leadership comes from everyone, including the newest employee, the experienced worker, the front line supervisor, and the plant manager. Safety leaders speak up and do not condone unsafe acts, nor do they take shortcuts to make a job easier or faster.

Effective safety leadership must also include discipline and consistent rules enforcement from managers and supervisors. It's also important to understand that Safety Leaders don't have to be vocal. The quiet leadership exhibited by workers who always follow the safety rules also has a powerful effect.