Workplace safety begins with a safe corporate culture
Most organisations have clear safety rules and procedures in place. If workplace safety isn’t taken seriously, things can still go very wrong. A safe corporate culture makes all the difference. IDEWE can help you to build that culture – through policies, training and campaigns on safe behaviour. That is how you turn safety into a reflex.
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What is workplace safety?
Workplace safety is the creation of an environment where all your employees can do their work without risking injury, incidents or damage.
To achieve that, you need clear agreements and procedures, the right personal protective equipment (PPE) and training. And most important of all: a work culture where safety is a matter of course. That is the only way to prevent accidents at work.
Combine all your security measures in one management system
Want to ensure proper monitoring of all your organisation’s safety and prevention measures? An accredited safety management or assurance system can be a smart choice. This brings together all your procedures and responsibilities in a consistent structure. Besides, this one move demonstrates that you take safety seriously.
IDEWE can help you to set up and implement accredited management systems. Examples include CCSHE, ISO 45001 or ISO 14001 and our own SAR system.
What is a safe corporate culture?
A safe corporate culture isn’t about rules on paper, it’s about how people behave in the workplace. About employees to whom safety is a matter of course. Who think things through, identify risks, and are willing to speak up.
This kind of culture makes a difference. It prevents incidents and improves your employees’ engagement.
Five steps to a safe corporate culture:
- Gain insight into your current situation. What risks, procedures and behavioural patterns are present at your organisation currently? Read about our safety audits in your My IDEWE customer area.
- Draw up an action plan. Set up a working group with employees across a range of occupations. With the support of an IDEWE coach, have the working group define safety objectives and create an action plan. Use awareness campaigns to draw attention to action items in the workplace.
- Get your managers on board. Managers play a crucial role in every safety programme. They embody your company culture and lead by example.
- Train your employees. Have your employees follow our Sirk Sekuur training course to make safety second nature to them.
Language can be a barrier to communicating safety instructions. Our sector-specific and visual ToWorkSafe package allows you to make sure your new and non-native employees are well informed and ready to get to work. The package includes a welcome brochure and video, a checklist, posters and an interactive game box.
- Evaluate. Stay alert and review how your organisation is doing regularly. If needed, make adjustments to achieve your safety objectives.
What does the law say about safe working in construction?
In Belgium, construction is the employment sector with the biggest risks. That is why the law imposes stricter safety measures:
- Mandatory basic training – Everyone who works on a construction site must complete basic safety training. You can do this training through IDEWE.
- Working at height – Do your employees work at height? In that case, you must take additional measures to reduce fall risks. Read more about the legal requirements and fall prevention.
- Safety coordination – Are there two or more contractors working on a (mobile) construction site, at the same time or consecutively? If so, the client must appoint a safety coordinator. They will ensure that all parties involved collaborate safely.
Good to know: IDEWE’s safety coordinators can go even further. They will coordinate activities on the site, act as safety advisors and improve your safety policy. We agree on this with you as the client in advance.
Allow yourself to be guided by an experienced IDEWE safety coordinator.
Safety support for the construction industry
Are you a project manager or site manager in construction and do you need help with your risk assessment and procedures, training of your construction workers or other safety concerns?
Prevent accidents on your construction sites.
Questions about a specific safety-related topic? Whether that’s charging infrastructure, hazardous substances or risk-free holiday work.
