Work health and safety. It’s not a topic that most people are clamouring to talk about, but it’s one you can’t afford to ignore.
On the latest episode of That Bad Review, I brought on Micah Wicham of MiSAFE Solutions, an Australian company that helps organisations across the country get their occupational health and safety up to standards. Micah’s great at making WHS digestible for the average worker. With more than 12 years of experience in the delivery of specialist WHS advice, Micah knows how to get people to listen.
The episode was incredibly informative, and one you can’t afford to miss if you own a business or are in a management position. Especially in the hospitality industry, where the chances of injury can be much higher than an office-based organisation, you need to develop a culture of safety.
You probably already know that. But what does that actually entail?
Training, First and Foremost
Training, as we know, can be incredibly dry. Staff members often tune out and forget most of what you’re telling them. But the key here is using the power of stories. Instead of just bombarding your staff with tedious information about historical acts or workplace policies, tell them stories. Illustrate how abiding by WHS regulations helped save someone’s life, or tell them about how being lax with safety can facilitate disaster.
As a leader, you need to make sure that everyone you’re working with has the appropriate regulations and certifications. You might assume that the subcontractor you hired has all of his papers in order, and they might even tell you that, but you need to see for yourself. Don’t let them on site until they’ve shown you exactly what you’re looking for. You’d be surprised (or maybe you wouldn’t) at how many people are happy to lie about their qualifications to make things quicker.
Consider Auditing
Micah’s company MiSAFE is well-known for being able to come in and tell a business how they can reduce their risk, but the point here is to find a company you trust that will help you minimise the chances of something terrible happening on your premises.
Take Copious Amounts of Notes
Documentation is key before, during and after an accident happens at your business. Take statements from those involved, snap some photos, jot down whatever might be relevant. It could save you further down the line.
Understand The Power of Feedback
Those departure surveys you give your guests? They have a purpose. Pay attention to any problems that your guests mention. As we pointed out on the show, “Once you’ve been advised of a potential risk, the simple fact that you’ve ignored it has got to make it worse.”
Folks, the point here is to be prepared. We know WHS can give you anxiety — probably because it makes you think about where you’re slacking — but taking care of things now could save your business in the future.
Listen to my entire conversation with Micah here.