Safety Accountability in the Workplace

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Accountability should focus on safety performance, not safety results.

Poor Accountability

Companies with the lowest level of safety accountability spend the minimum amount of time on their safety efforts.  Safety is seen as a hindrance, not as a benefit. Companies with poor accountability typically:

  • Devote minimum time to safety;
  • Have little to no involvement by management; and
  • Ignore safety activities or treat them as a burden.

Result: breeding ground for accidents.

Ideal Accountability

Companies that strive for optimal safety performance will display their efforts to achieve this goal. Everyone understands they are accountable for safety. Companies with ideal accountability typically:

  • Assigns the same safety accountability for all levels;
  • Views safety as a must and makes sure this concept is understood from the top down; and
  • Demands that ownership of the safety process be taken by all employees.

Result: low incident rate, high morale, quality production

Company leaders: things to remember

  • Hold yourself accountable first.
  • Have a strategy and know how safety really works at your facility.
  • Lead safety as if your family worked there.

When everyone understands they will be held accountable for their unsafe actions, companies achieve a safe work environment.

KEMI does not assume liability for the content of information contained herein. Safety and health remain your responsibility. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for proper training, supervision or manufacturers’ instructions/recommendations. KEMI, by publication of this information, does not assume liability for damage or injury arising from reliance upon it. Compliance with this information is not a guarantee or warranty that you will be in conformity with any laws or regulations nor does it ensure the absolute safety of any person, place or object, including, but not limited to, you, your occupation, employees, customers or place of business.

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