Although developing a safety culture takes a great deal of effort and time, here are some tips to get your brewery on the right track:

Tip # 1 – Open communications with employees

Give employees an open way to communicate safety issues.  Don’t wait for employees to tell you.  Ask questions at production meetings, such as, “I noticed safety glasses are not being worn, any reason why?”  When asked, employees will tell.  

Tip #2 –  Be an example

There is nothing worse than telling someone else what to do, then not following the same rules.  Not cool.

Tip #3 – Be positive

When correcting a safety behavior, be positive first, then point out a way to improve.  Nobody likes getting a lecture on the job.  

Tip #4 – Care

The whole reason for creating a safety culture is because you care about your employees, and employees should care about the people working around them.  Encourage employees to speak up when they see risky conditions or behavior.  Point out that this will save someone from getting injured, and give them the ability to hold their kids or pet their dog when they get home.