London — Senior managers can positively influence workplace safety in a number of ways, according to a recently published report from Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
The report is based on a combined 80 studies and full-text articles. That analysis found that senior managers can:
- Provide strategic direction.
- Demonstrate visible leadership and engagement.
- Maintain systematic oversight.
- Foster a positive safety culture.
“These leadership practices directly and indirectly improve safety by reinforcing safe behaviors, building trust and encouraging organizational learning,” the report states.
“Positive leadership styles, such as care for employee well-being and ethical commitment, were consistently associated with reduced incidents and improved occupational safety and health outcomes. In contrast, traits such as overconfidence and a focus on short-term results were associated with increased workplace injuries and poorer occupational safety and health outcomes.”
The report, compiled with help from the ISO Technical Committee 283, also notes an “inconsistency in how ‘senior management’ is defined across ISO standards and the research evidence.”
