Many leaders are grossly underestimating the importance of health and safety to employees

If you think applicants aren’t paying attention to your commitment to health and safety, think again. The results of the most recent Health and Safety Leadership Survey published by Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) reveal that health and safety matters to current and prospective employees more than most employers think. 

WSPS launched the Health & Safety Leadership Survey in 2019 to shed light on trends, attitudes, and behaviours and assist leaders in planning and decision-making. Now in its fourth year, the survey offers a unique vantage point for seeing the shifts in attitudes, behaviours, and priorities within Canadian workplaces before, during, and post-pandemic.

What the research shows is that year-over-year, businesses with more developed health and safety systems have fewer injuries, they experienced lower or reduced infection rates during the Pandemic and were in a stronger position to manage the crisis. And the last two years have shown they also have a distinct advantage in attracting and retaining employees.

Over 1500 people responded to the survey from organizations of all sectors and sizes. More than half were senior managers and managers with decision-making authority. Nearly 25% were executives, including CEO, COO, CHRO, President, VP, Owner and Partner, and the balance were human resources professionals.

Once again, the survey results were segmented into five categories based on the level of health and safety development.

Leading – Health and safety is treated as a strategic priority, information is reported publicly, and board decisions take into account the impact on health and safety.

Proactive – Active board discussion and support aimed at enhancing management of health and safety.

Managing – Focused on management of day-to-day health and safety.

Reactive – Focused on addressing health and safety issues as they arise. Focus remains on incident rates.

Start of the Journey – Starting to understand what health and safety involves; focused on incident management.

Get to know the author – Fresh Communications