According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of the most effective ways to promote a safe working environment is through company safety meetings. Since safety should be a top priority, we’ve gathered some tips to help make the most out of your company safety meetings.

Why Safety Meetings

These informal, brief meetings allow the opportunity to share potential workplace hazards and safe workplace practices, such as machinery use, tool handling, equipment use and safety-minded attitudes—basically anything that may contribute to accidents or illnesses in your workplace.

Meeting Basics

• Attending safety meetings is mandatory. Employees should be aware of the day and time meetings are held and plan accordingly.
• Require employees to sign the safety meeting log – record-keeping is an important part of a safety and compliance program.
• Be an active participant and encourage employees to participate. Some of the best safety ideas come from employees because they often know best what and where the dangers are.
• Notice that spills aren’t being cleaned up properly or someone didn’t follow lockout/tagout procedures? Cover the topic at a safety meeting, and everyone will benefit.
• Already know the day’s topic? Don’t tune out as employees may have something valuable to add.
• If employees have an idea for a safety topic, chances are others will find it of interest too.
• There are no dumb questions when it comes to safety.
• Do all employees know the safety policies? Have a designated bulletin board where employees can find information and have a human resource representative available at the safety meetings.
• Want to nominate someone for a safety award? This is a great way to encourage a safe working environment.

Regardless of job title, working safely is everyone’s responsibility.