SAFE TO THE CORE Engaged Team Members Take Workplace Safety to Heart By Steve McKenney At Roseburg Forest Products safety or “Safe to the Core”, is one of the company’s core values. It is our experience that when team members feel engaged and invested in their work, they are more likely to also take workplace safety seriously and feel a sense of pride in what they do. Engaged team members understand that their well-being and the well-being of their colleagues depend on maintaining a safe working environment. In this article, we will explore the importance of engaged team members in promoting workplace safety and how organizations can foster a culture of caring through team member engagement.
THE LINK BETWEEN ENGAGEMENT AND WORKPLACE SAFETY Engaged team members are those who are committed to their work, are highly motivated, and actively involved in their job roles. They genuinely care about the success of the company and take ownership of their responsibilities. This level of engagement can be leveraged to enhance workplace safety for several reasons: 1. I ncreased Awareness: Engaged team members are more likely to be aware of potential safety hazards in their work environment and are more apt to intervene if they observe colleagues engaged in at-risk behaviors. They pay keen attention to their surroundings, actively identify risks, and take proactive measures to reduce the potential of loss. Whether it's reporting a faulty piece of equipment, highlighting an unsafe work practice, or suggesting improvements, engaged team members see safety as everyone's responsibility. 2. Improved Compliance: Team members who feel engaged and connected to their work are far more likely to follow safe work practices and comply with regulatory requirements. They understand that these are in place to protect them and their colleagues from harm. Engaged team members take workplace Continued on next page ENGINEERED WOOD JOURNAL AUTUMN 2023
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