"If you keep doing the same thing, you will always get the same results." We've all heard variations of this overused phrase hundreds of time, but I think it's an over-simplification. If you did exactly the same thing in exactly the same environment, then, yes, you may get the same results. But what if the environment changes? Then the results will change, too.

How to Get Better Results from Your Safety Program

Let's say there are elements of your safety program that don't produce the results you want. It can be disheartening, yet you keep trying. Should you stop? No, of course not. But if you want to improve your results, maybe you should consider the environment. Let's look at 5 elements of a safety program and see what can be changed to improve results.

1. Your Safety Committee

Current situation: You've tried using safety committees, but they're not working. There's no interest, they turn into gripe sessions, managers ignore you, etc.

Consider changing:

• The members: Do you have the right people on the committee? Look at who selects them and what the selection criteria is;
• The timing: Look at when and where the committee meets. Sometimes this can have an adverse effect on the tone of a meeting; and
• The process: What happens to suggestions made by the committee? If they don't lead to action, then no wonder there's no interest.

Other companies can make their safety committees work. So do a fishbone analysis of the committee the same as you would for an injury and determine why your committee is failing.

2. Your Safety Posters

Current situation: No one pays attention to the safety posters. You're thinking they're a waste of money.

Consider changing:

• Their look: Be sure your safety posters are eye-catching;
• Their location: Safety posters are more effective when they're located in high traffic areas;
• Their state: Safety posters should be kept clean & well-lighted;
• Their freshness: Safety posters should be rotated at least every two weeks to stay ‘fresh';
• Their subject: Safety posters should be related to the actual needs of the plant. There's no need for forklift safety posters if you don't have any forklifts.

3. Your Safety Bulletins

Current situation: No one reads the safety bulletins or safety newsletters.

Consider changing:

• Their format: If you're using generic newsletters, try creating your own;
• Their content: Include a Q/A column, give examples of how the safety rule applies to home as well, share actual incidents that occurred recently, etc.;
• Their interactivity: Throw in a contest. Consider a posed photo in your plant with multiple safety violations. Have everyone submit the list of what they see wrong and offer a small prize to someone drawn from all the correct responses;
• Their distribution: I find the best way to distribute the safety newsletters is to leave them on lunch tables or hand them out at the exits at quitting time. Stand there, hand them out and wish everybody a safe drive home.

4. Your Safety Meetings

Current situation: Safety meetings are a waste of time. No one pays attention.

Consider changing:

• The presenters: Don't have the same person lead every safety meeting. Vary your presenters;
• The length: Safety meetings should be kept brief;
• The tone: Throw in a joke;
• The content: Refer to something topical or related to a recent occurrence on TV or in the news;
• The time and place: Is there a better time of day for your meeting or a location with fewer distractions?

5. Your Safety Advice

Current situation: You show people how to wear earplugs properly, relate a rule or (fill in the blank). But a week later it's obvious they didn't listen.

Consider changing:

• Your method of delivery: The time, place or training tool could be the real root cause of failure. Consider changing any of these;
• Your assumptions: Are you assuming that what you've said has been understood? Ask your workers to repeat the technique or concept to you. Remember, practice makes perfect;
• Your language: Check that you're not being too technical, too preachy or talking down. Ask for feedback.

Conclusion

Your safety committees, posters, newsletters, meetings and advice are all essential elements of your safety program. If they're not working, then ask your workers and your colleagues why they think something is failing. (Truly listen to the feedback; don't be defensive.) And don't give up! By making a few small changes, you can actually keep doing the same thing and get different results.

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