Safety should not be a ‘priority’

For others, the statement sends a mixed signal. Calling safety a “priority” conveys it is to be weighed against other considerations and implies there may be times it is superseded by a more pressing priority, such as budgets, schedules, production goals or customer demands.

What is the alternative? In their book “Safety 24/7,” Gregory M. Anderson and Robert L. Lorber explain, “In a strong safety culture, safety is elevated to be a core value in the organization. It is no longer just a priority ⦠Priorities change. Core values remain constant.”

Values are beliefs that guide actions. When employees make decisions, they measure their options against values. Every day, employees in high-risk environments decide to choose safe or unsafe behaviors. They choose whether they will wear prescribed PPE, follow standard procedures, disregard posted warning signs, etc. They often find themselves pressured to do more with less, increase productivity and exceed customer expectations. In addition, they value their jobs and ability to provide for their families. All these values collide as employees are presented with the choice to be safe. If safety is not a personal value for them, other priorities may lead them to act unsafely.