Incorporating Safety Into Performance Reviews

Safety Topics For Employers to Consider During the Review 

Building and sustaining a strong workplace safety culture requires coaching and training. A strong safety culture is not possible without active participation from all employees. As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that employees are not only trained on safety; but actively applying that knowledge on the jobsite. Reinforce the critical nature of this training by incorporating safety into job objectives. Consider evaluating these components in an employee's performance review.

Safety Policies

Written safety policies should be developed, implemented, reviewed at least annually, and revised as needed. A policy provides guidance— an "Action Plan" for controlling workplace injuries in the workplace and to help to promote positive work attitudes.

Action Item:

• Does the employee demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the company safety policy?

Leadership

Employers should lead the safety program by establishing roles and responsibilities and create a positive environment that encourages employees to step up and take initiative when a potentially hazardous situation is identified.

Action Items:

• Does the employee offer suggestions to improve safety? What are some examples?
• Does the employee take initiative in correcting safety concerns as they arise?

Housekeeping

Proper housekeeping is crucial to prevent incidents. Regardless of the size or location, the work area needs to be safe.

Action Items:

• Does the employee keep his/her work area clean and orderly?
• Does the employee take ownership of other areas not directly under his/her care?

Use of Equipment

Unsafe practices around equipment can create dangerous situations in the workplace.

Action Item:

• Does the employee understand and follow proper use, care, cleaning, maintenance, and storage of company equipment?

Personal Protective Equipment

Implement a PPE program to address present hazards, the selection, maintenance, and use of PPE, training employees, and the effectiveness of the program.

Action Item:

• Does the employee wear the required PPE and apparel? Why or why not?

Personal Risk

Preventive measures lower the probability of hazardous scenarios. By being proactive, an employee can reduce risks.

Action Item:

• Does the employee exercise the required precautions when using hazardous equipment or materials?

Training 

Safety training provides information, tools, and practice that can improve safety in the workplace. Investing in training shows employees that you care about their development and well-being and commitment to overall safety.

Action Items:

• Over the past year, what safety training has the employee completed?
• How often does the employee participate in safety training?
• What topics do the training cover?
• Which safety topics do we cover in our new employee orientation?

Employee safety should always be your top priority. Incorporating safety into job performance reviews holds employees accountable and reinforces a strong culture. Contact your local BITCO Risk Control Consultant to learn more ways to improve jobsite safety. To find a local BITCO agent, click the button below.

For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.