ABSTRACT

Top-level management support and funding are essential to create an environment where employees can truly be engaged and empowered to accept responsibility and become an active participant within the safety and health function. The safety and health manager or the management team member with direct responsibility for compliance and the safety operations should create a transparent system which actively involves employees in all facets of the safety function. Employees must see, through daily actions, that their direct supervisor values their safety and health. The safety and health professional must “take the lead” to design and develop a safety system which integrates and empowers employees within the safety function while providing the “tools” to successfully engage and assume ownership of the safety and health function. Middle management must take an active role and prioritize safety and health within their daily activities. Employees must see, through daily actions, that their direct supervisor values their safety and health.