By Louise Woodburn, Partner KBC Risk Solutions
In the relentless pursuit of a zero-harm workplace, the 3C’s approach to organisational safety offers an effective framework. This powerful combination – commitment, competence, and compliance – acts as the cornerstone of a robust safety culture, with each element playing a pivotal role.
Achieving compliance begins with identifying relevance
The intricate web of Regulations can be daunting, given that there are around 254 pieces of Legislation that relate to Occupational Health and Safety. The first step to achieving meaningful compliance is understanding the specific Legislation applicable to your industry. From the mining-specific Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) for general industry, a clear understanding of relevant Regulations is essential, as this gives organisations the correct basis from which to identify potential hazards and implement targeted controls to mitigate them.
Treating compliance with the proper respect
At its core, compliance to legislative requirements is not merely about ticking boxes. Legislation serves as a shield to safeguard lives and wellbeing. As such, achieving full compliance that respects legislative intention showcases an organisation’s unwavering dedication to safety, mitigates legal risks, and conveys a clear message that safety is paramount.
This unwavering adherence holds critical weight in high-risk industries like mining. Here, the consequences of non-compliance can be catastrophic. Straying from the established safety protocols is not just a bureaucratic misstep; it is a gamble with peoples’ lives, and with the very foundation of the organisation itself. When treated as more than just a legal obligation, compliance fosters a culture of responsibility and accountability within an organisation. This, however, is not a solitary burden placed upon management; it is a collective effort where everyone plays an integral role, led from the top throughout every level of the organisation. When every employee understands and upholds their compliance commitments, they become active participants in creating and ensuring a safe, and productive work environment.
Placing competency in its rightful place
It is important to bear in mind that compliance is not a fixed point or destination, but rather a continuous journey. Ever-evolving Legislation and industry best practices necessitate a proactive approach, which means that organisations must move beyond the checkbox mentality and actively seek to understand the “why” behind Regulations. This fosters a deeper commitment to safety, a commitment that transcends mere compliance. This speaks to the ‘competence’ pillar, which requires ongoing safety training education and development. This means investing in employee training, because when employees understand the risks they face and value the impact of compliance, they are more likely to embrace safe work practices. This requires that training programs go beyond rote memorisation of Regulations, rather providing the tools to tackle the practical application of safety protocols in everyday work situations using engaging, hands-on training methods.
Building a culture of compliance
Leadership plays an instrumental role in championing compliance and fostering a culture of safety at every level. Leaders send a powerful message when they actively promote safety discussions, lead by example, and hold everyone accountable for compliance. Here, commitment to safety starts at the top and is emphasised at every level to build a culture of compliance.
Working toward a safer future
While compliance is the foundation, a truly safe workplace thrives on an ethos that goes beyond simply meeting Regulations. This culture is built on trust, open communication, and a shared commitment to safety. This means establishing a working environment in which employees are encouraged to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal, to which Management actively responds to facilitate continuous improvement.
The 3C’s approach, of which compliance is a critical component, offers a roadmap to a future where workplaces are truly safe havens for all. This future hinges on a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. As industries evolve and new technologies emerge, so too must safety practices. By maintaining pace with the latest Regulations and best practices, organisations can ensure their safety culture remains robust and adaptable, paving the way for a reality in which every worker returns home safe and sound.
