Lead by Example in Creating a Safe Work Environment
Opinion Editorial
Charlotte Business Journal
December 13, 2004
Every day, about 15 people in the United States die doing something completely routine—working. It’s a fact that every business leader should remember. From the minor to the tragic, more than 1.7 million workplace injuries occur every year—costing U.S. businesses almost $1 billion a week.
This has not been a good year for safety at Duke Energy. Four people died while working at Duke Energy facilities across the nation. It has been our biggest disappointment of 2004.
At Duke Energy, we are re-doubling our efforts toward safety. As an owner or business leader, keeping safety on the front burner starts with you. It’s easy to get distracted by other priorities, but one thing I’ve learned recently is that—beginning with a few simple rules—we can have a positive impact on safety results.
Lead By Example
We shouldn’t expect employees to be fully committed to safety if we don’t adhere to the same principles. If hard hats, safety glasses and ear plugs are required on a job site, we should wear them.
The message sent to employees starts when we buckle up in the car every morning. Let employees know—from top to bottom—that we’re following the same rules they are. In addition, business leaders should never feel uncomfortable pointing out safety infractions when they see them. If we don’t point them out, why should anyone else?
Everyone Counts
In an age of outsourcing and contract workers, making sure everyone follows the same safety path is essential. We may not employ everyone working on behalf of our company, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be concerned about everyone’s safety. Have in place an agreement with vendors and contractors about the safety standards expected—and hold those companies accountable.
It’s Not Just Industrial Sites
When we talk about safety in the energy business, most people visualize a power plant, power line or natural gas compressor station.
But the office environment has its own set of safety concerns. How do we control access to our facility? Is the parking area for employees well lit? Is snow and ice removed? Do employees feel safe? Even in the smallest of office environments, it’s worth asking employees about any safety concerns they may have. The answers might surprise us.
Admit Mistakes, And Learn From Them
Creating a 100 percent safe working environment is a worthy goal. But mishaps will happen. As a business leader, don’t be afraid to admit mistakes. But more importantly, investigate every safety mishap to see if it was preventable, and what could be done in the future.
Creating a safe working environment should be a goal for every business leader. But don’t leave it to chance. Employees look to management to set the safety tone of an organization. Let’s make sure we are setting the proper one.
Fred Fowler
President and Chief Operating Officer
Duke Energy