SGM Construction

SGM Building,

Sydney, Australia

Employee Morale and

Workplace Safety: A Two

Way Street

Active Metal

Salisbury St5-7 Salisbury St

Silverwater NSW 2128

02 9648 3334

Workplace safety and morale have always been closely

linked, but their exact relat ionship is subject to debate at

t imes. Does higher job sat isfaction lead to better safety,

or do fewer accidents make everyone happier and

more effective? Many experts believe that the answer is

“both”. The two factors feed off of each other, and end

up amplifying the overall effects.

This is well documented, and another significant

motivat ion to improve safety programs at work. Both low

morale and workplace injuries have serious negative

effects on the bottom line, making this a key factor in the

success of any company.

A closer look at the mutual

relationship of safety and morale

I t is easy to see how workers appreciate better workplace

safety. Nobody likes being in harm’s way, and people

expect to see visible measure to minimise risks. When

employees feel that their company cares about their well-

being, it can greatly improve their morale and opinion of

their workplace. A few examples of making safety more

visible include:

1. Adequate safeguards throughout the workplace

environment to prevent accidents, such as durable

handrails and balustrades.

2. Posters with relevant safety information, especially

those specific to certain areas or equipment.

3. Comprehensive training programs, which keep

employees up to date on the best practices in workplace

safety.

On the other hand, disgrunt led employees are also

more likely to ignore proper procedure. They often

have less respect for the company, and may see

rules as just a way for management to get in the way

of their work. This emotional reasoning can cause

them to take unnecessary risks, eventually leading to

an accident.

It is important for businesses to address

issues or disagreements quickly, especially

within the first few days of implementing new

safety rules. Poor morale can quickly cause a

chain reaction, and it will be the company

that has to deal with the consequences in the

end.

Overall, an organizat ion with a

superior safety track record is likely

to have happier employees, and

be more productive as a whole.

Sources:

http://www.activemetal.com.au//stainless-

steel-railings.html

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/safety-topics-

morale-4790.html

http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/fix-

safety-to-boost-morale/2497209/