b'SAFETYEMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN SAFETYBy Andy Sawan, Risk Services Specialist at SedgwickE mployee engagement inengagement: inthecompanyssafety workplace safety is criticalInvolve Employees in Safety Planningfor maintaining a safe andActiveparticipation productive environment. Whenplanning meetings and risk assessments will employeesactivelyengageallow workers to voice their concerns, concerns in safety efforts, theyre more likely to followof others and suggest improvements.Many protocols, identify hazards and contribute toemployees have first-hand knowledge of tasks acultureprioritizingwell-being.Employeeand job functions and can highlight potential engagement will differ from company to companyrisks, hazards and offer better solutions others dependinguponfactorssuchasculture,may overlook.leadership, employees and the current safety program.RegardlessofthetypeofsafetyEmpower Employees to Speak Upprogram you have, involving employees in itThere are many ways to encourage employees will show the companys dedication to safetytoreporthazards,near-missesandunsafe in the workplace.An effective way to protectbehaviors. The key is to encourage reporting employees is to involve them in your companyswithout fear of reprimand.Suggestion boxes, safety program.There are a number of ways tocomputer reporting software, safety meetings do this, so it is important you find out what worksand toolbox talks can all be used to address best for yours. safetyconcernsandmakeemployeesfeel Herearesomestrategiestoencouragecomfortable contributing to safety.28 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'