Indicators of Culture

 Indicators of Safety Culture within an organization include;

• Housekeeping.
• The presence of warning notices throughout the premises.
• The earing of PPE.
• Quality of risk assessments.
• Good or bad staff relationships
• Accident / ill-health statistics.
• Statements made by employees, e.g. "My manager does not care" ( negative culture)

Some of these indicators will be easily noticed by a visitor and help to create an initial impression of the company.

Safety Climate Assessment Tools

The Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) has published a safety climate tool that uses eight key factors mapped around 40 statements on which respondents are asked to express their attitude:

• Organizational commitment.
• Health and safety behaviors.
• Health and safety trust.
• Usability of procedures.
• Engagement in health and safety.
• Peer group attitude.
• Resources for health and safety.
• Accidents and near-miss reporting.

The kit is available in a software format and will analyze and present the results as charts that can be easily communicated to the workforce. 

FACTORS AFFECTING SAFETY CULTURE AND CLIMATE

Factors Promoting a Positive Health and Safety Culture  / Climate

• Management commitment and Leadership
• High Business Profile to Health and Safety
• Provision of information
• Involvement and Consultation
• Training
• Promotion of Ownership
• Setting and Meeting Targets

Factors Promoting a Negative Health and Safety Culture / Climate

• Organizational change
• Lack of Confidence in Organization's Objectives and Methods
• Uncertainty
• Management Decisions that Prejudice Mutual Trust or Lead to Confusion REgarding Commitment