ISO 45001 states what progressive safety professionals have known for years: Workers need to be fully involved in your entire safety program. From design to implementation and evaluation the more workers participate in the process the better your results will be.

But getting participation isn’t easy. An article in Professional Safety Journal magazine outlines over 20 steps to encourage participation and engagement. Some are obvious, like providing the necessary time and resources to participate, and an “open-door” policy to discuss concerns.

The most effective tool to get and maintain participation is “positive reinforcement”. Positive reinforcement tells your employees: “You matter to us. And we notice and appreciate it when you do the right thing.”

Positive reinforcement is equally effective in making safe behaviors the standard on the job. Training is necessary, but it’s not enough. You have to reinforce safe behaviors so they’re repeated and become the norm. Our SmartCard system increases employee participation while equipping front-line managers with the tools they need to change behavior and make it stick.

You’re able to track reinforcement and participation with precision, transparency and clarity across your organization. The result? A happier, engaged workforce and a more successful organization.

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