The critical role of leadership in making occupational health and safety work

Martin Sanders is a very experienced expert on matters of occupational health and safety. He also recognizes the pivotal role leaders have in making their organizations more prepared in occupational health and safety in the workplace.

The role of health and safety policies has always been consistent throughout time. Its main purpose is to ensure the overall safety, protection, and wellbeing of each member of the organization in all facets of the work environment. It is quite easy to teach the importance of occupational health and safety, as many of its key points are intrinsic to a person's behavior.

However, leaders can do so much more than ensuring that everything is written down on the company's handbook of policies and bylaws. Leaders should take a more active role in the involvement of all workers in safety as a whole and the education of everyone in terms of occupational health and safety.

Leaders need to factor in the safety of their employees in every business decision that they take in all matters that they discuss with the board. A leader's more active role should be characterized by simple things, such as doing floor visits where they can actually react to positive or negative behavior on the spot.

Mid-level managers can surely demonstrate much commitment to the principle of occupational health and safety by joining committee meetings and pitching in on matters of safety in management meetings.

For more than a decade of service in the occupational safety and health, Capt. Martin Sanders, Ph.D., has helped leaders make their organizations more adapted to real world challenges. For more updates, follow this page.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.